Front axle seals replacement.
#1
CF Active Member
Thread Starter
Front axle seals replacement.
I will be attempting to replace a leaking axle seal on the drivers side of my 4 Wheel Drive Suburban. Before I start the process, I would like to know if the the entire front unit has to be removed or if the axle can be taken out while in place on the Suburban. I have been told that the axle can just be popped out like a CV axle on front wheel drive cars. If so, the removal and replacement of the axle shouldn't be a problem. However, I would like to know if there is a C-clip or retainer that keeps it in place after the CV axle is removed from the flange on the short axle. Appreciate any info on the R & R procedure for the axle.
Thanks
Thanks
#2
what year?
l/f side can be driven out. sometimes it can be hard to hammer out. if this is the case put pressure on one side of the stub shaft flange with a pry bar and hammer the opposite side. this keep even pressure on both sides, hammering alone can wedge one side tight.
the r/f side should not be hammered out. The axle tube should be unbolted and the cir-clip removed with snap ring pliers. if you try to hammer it out you will bend one of the flat washers that sit near the clip.
l/f side can be driven out. sometimes it can be hard to hammer out. if this is the case put pressure on one side of the stub shaft flange with a pry bar and hammer the opposite side. this keep even pressure on both sides, hammering alone can wedge one side tight.
the r/f side should not be hammered out. The axle tube should be unbolted and the cir-clip removed with snap ring pliers. if you try to hammer it out you will bend one of the flat washers that sit near the clip.
Last edited by tech2; March 5th, 2014 at 7:35 PM.
#3
CF Active Member
Thread Starter
Axle seal replacement
Thanks for the response on how to remove the left side axle. My Suburban is a 2008 4wd 1500 with a 5.3L V-8. I am considering replacing the seals on both sides. You mentioned there is a clip that has to be removed on the right hand side with snap ring pliers. Is the clip an internal part on/in the front unit?
Last edited by Yogi; March 6th, 2014 at 12:26 AM.
#4
once you unbolt the right axle tube housing from the front diff...the clip is under a washer. Once the clip is removed the axle shaft can be pulled out of the axle tube and then the seal can be removed.
#5
CF Active Member
Thread Starter
Leaking axle seals
Thanks for the reply on the clip to be removed. I was able to get an illustration of all the components of the front end and axles. Appreciate the feedback on what needs to be done.
While I am at it, I will also be replacing both CV axles and wheel hubs. Should take up a day if everything goes according to plan.
While I am at it, I will also be replacing both CV axles and wheel hubs. Should take up a day if everything goes according to plan.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
usmarine0905
Silverado, Sierra & Fullsize Pick-ups
4
July 12th, 2010 10:16 AM