I need an axle removal diy thread

[10856]

I am searching for a diy thread for pulling the rear axle out to swap a bad seal for my 2003 TB 4wd l6,I removed the rear rotor to tighten up the ebrake and noticed the seal failure, which seems fairly new but must be addressed soon , I have the g80 with 3.73 gears and I have been told the diff cover has to be removed and the c clip removed to pull the axle .........any input will be appreciated :thx

[markarock]

This isn't quite what you are looking for, but close.

http://forums.trailvoy.com/showthread.php?t=33529

If you look at the photos with the andi-sway bar going across horizontally, you will see the center section of the differential behind it. You will see the end of the bar (cylinder) that goes through the center section. (There is another photo which shows you this bar/cylinder clearly going between the axles-it is the photo of the spider gears.) If you look very carefully, you will see the head of a small bolt on the right side of the case. Remove this bolt.

When the bolt is out, slide out the bar/cylinder. Turn the ring gear/center section to obtain the necessary clearance. This will let you push the axle(s) in slightly. When you push one in, you will see the "C" clip on the end. Use a magnet and slide it off.

Go back to the outboard part of the axle and remove all the emergency brake stuff, and the bolts that hold the backing plate to the axle. Then pull the axle out. I think this step is needed, but am not sure. Don't have my diff in front of me, but most axles of similar design require this step.

Finally, just pull the axle out. You may have to pound on it a bit, but not very much. It should move/slide very freely. Then you can remove the seal and press in a new one.

Once you have done it, you will appreciate that it is not all that difficult.

Mark

[10856]

Mark, Thanks for the timely reply , after looking over the material you supplied I feel I have the confidence to to the job , hopefully a little warmer weather will hit the northeast . I just have 4 questions at this time if you would be so kind to answer, the sway bar stays or do I take it down first?, should I use 75w-90 synthetic oil?, and should I rent a seal pressing tool to do the job or will something around the garage work just as good.? and lastly , should I do both sides even though only one side is leaking?.........with a job like this I think it will be most rewarding to do it myself because of the minimal cost of the seals and the replacement oil as opposed to what a local shop would charge to do this job, my guess being around $300. Thanks again :tiphat Bill

[markarock]

Here's my take on your questions:

1. Yes, the anti-sway bar stays.

2. Yes, synthetic 75W-90. Your choice as to brand. They are all pretty good.

3. I have never in my life used a seal pressing tool. If you are handy, it's not necessary. But if you are a klutz, or seriously inexperienced at installing seals, well...

4. I would only do the seal that is leaking, unless you are terribly anal. Those seals do tend to last a long time, so the likelihood that the other one will leak anytime soon is probably small. Besides, you could screw up the new seal installing it and be worse off. There is a saying I'm fond of. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." You won't be saving all that much time by doing both now. I'd wait.

Just my opinion. Others may differ.

Mark

[10856]

Ok Mark,
I am all psyched and ready to tackle the rear seal, I just have to wait for a dry weekend to allow it to happen, today is going to be a washout, the last remaining question for me is from that link you sent me to.......... from the information I gathered, I dont think was a g80 limited slip differential, and if not, is the g80 put together the same way as the one pictured?.....I picture myself taking the cover off to find a different setup and then me doing this :bonk:
Thanks again for sharing your knowledge Bill

[markarock]

I haven't ever opened a G80, but I have opened other posi diffs, and I am confident the design is the same for your purposes.

Mark