02 silverado front axle oil seal

I had my truck up on the hoist the other day and noticed oil leaking from the passenger side axle shaft seal/differential . Before I open it up what should I get for replacement parts, just the seal? Thanks

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It depends on how you want to remove that right side axle. If you remove the entire right axle and housing from the main diff housing, you will need some anaerobic sealer to reseal the extension housing back to the main diff housing.

Or, you can do it an easier way. You put the vehicle in 4hi, make sure it's engaged on the front diff. Then remove the 6 bolts that hold the right drive axle to the right side diff axle flange. You can now pull the drive axle down past the flange of the axle that you are going to remove in order to replace the seal. Next, remove both stabilizer links so that you can move the stabilizer bar up and down (you do not have to remove the stab bar from where it is fastened to the frame).

Next, tap the axle out from the differential, you may need to give it a fairly firm tap with a hammer to disengage the circlip that retains in inside the diff. When it's disengaged, you can pull it right out of the extension housing. You will notice that you have to turn the axle and lift the stab bar in order to gain the clearance you need. You will also run into the outer c/v boot just as you are ready to come out of the extension housing, the boot is both flexible and tough enough that you can maneuver the axle over the pleats. Now you can just pop out the seal, install your new seal and re-assemble.

Do not forget the "put it in 4hi" step. Or you will be taking the extension housing off. What this does is "capture" the thrust washer that sits on the end of the shaft inside the diff. Being in 4hi prevents the washer from falling down inside the extension housing.

Anyway, good luck. And for anyone else reading this who has an 03 truck and up....you can't do this on those years.

Ian

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shiden_kai

thanks very much for your help

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