diff tube seal part number

[euclid]

So I got the front diff installed last night. I have a leak on the DS.

The oil seal that goes into the differential tube on the driver side is the one that is an issue. I got 90311-47013 from my local dealership and that's the on that is in there. I think it's the wrong one and is the source of my leak.

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[euclid]

 

[Porter]

That looks to be the proper part number on year 2000/ 90311-47013.

 

[euclid]

After looking at the parts explosion carefully at the dealer yesterday I think so too.

Installed another one very carefully yesterday and it's still leaking. A friend helped me with the CV to try to avoid buggering up the seal. The one that came out looked fine. It's leaking from where the cansiter looking part of the CV axle joins up to the diff tube. Leaking a lot.

I'm at the end of my knowledge. Any ideas?

 

[spressomon]

Are you 100% positive you are getting the new seal(s) installed without deforming the seal? If its leaking diff lube, outboard of the axle tube/seal area of the axle housing, then it has to be either the seal or the mating surface on the CV axle as this seal and CV axle interface is what keeps the diff lube contained on the diff side of the assembly.

Check to be sure the mating surface on the CV axle isn't damaged in some way...more than likely not but if you are positive the seal is the correct part # and its installed correctly there's nothing else it could be.

One more thing: You're positive you've got the CV pushed all the way home so the spline end mates 100% with the 3rd member correct? If not its possible the mating surface for the CV axle is too far outboard to do its job...

edit: Typically you really need to slam the CV shaft "home" when you insert it to the 3rd member. You know you have it done properly if there is a significant amount of resistance when pulling it back out. Be sure the circlip on the 3rd member side of the CV splines didn't inadvertently fall off...as this is what keeps the CV shaft firmly in place to the 3rd member's side gear splines (passenger side) or side gear shaft (driver's side).

 

[euclid]

I was very careful when installing the CV to avoid deforming the seal so I really don't think it's that. Also, it started leaking as soon as I put the truck back on the ground. Your comments have me thinking maybe I don't have the CV installed correctly. Pictures forthcoming to see if anyone can tell.

Thanks!

edit response:
I used a brass drift to catch that little lip on the canister looking part of the CV and whacked on it to get it to go into the side gear shaft. I could hear a difference and thought it went in correctly. How do the pics look to you? Look like it is seated correctly?

 

[euclid]

 

[spressomon]

When you take it apart/remove the CV axle again and assuming you have the same seal in hand just slide the seal over the end of the CV shaft to be sure the interface fitment is snug...


Did you possibly install the seal the wrong direction?

 

[euclid]

I thought about that. I installed it with the inside C shape of the seal facing the diff.

 

[spressomon]

^ if its any consolation I managed to install an output shaft side seal, apart of my t-case re-gear/rebuild project, in the reverse orientation . Thankfully after I assembled it I opted to fill it with diff lube while on the bench. Imagine my surprise to see diff lube pouring out on to the garage floor as fast as I was pouring it in . May not be your issue but certainly something to check...

 

[euclid]

How do those pics look to yall? Does it look like the CV is all the way in? Can someone look at theirs and compare?

 

[spressomon]

It appears the CV is fully seated...

 

[euclid]

Does it look like the seal is in the right position in the diff tube?

 

[euclid]

I have been putting the seal all the way to the back this picture, so that the inside of the seal is pretty close to the big snap ring you visible here.

Am I pushing it too far back? I'm accustomed to a shoulder to stop seals and races from going in too far.

 

[spressomon]

Looks like you had it pressed in the correct orientation. Its been so long since I installed that seal I can't quite remember whether the seal sits flush with the outside of the tube or is bottomed. Me thinks the seal needs to sit flush with the outside of the outer tube and not be fully bottomed towards the bearing. That probably explains why diff lube is gushing past the seal...its too far inboard to fully mate/engage with the seal shoulder on the CV axle. FWIW this was the same mistake I made on the t-case seal: I pressed the seal to bottom out instead of being flush with the outer surface...

Probably just the camera view but the seal looks effed up/deformed.

 

[euclid]

Gonna try it more like this. I think you are right about to being too far back.

 

[spressomon]

^ looks much better

 

[bluecruiser]

Gonna try it more like this. I think you are right about to being too far back.

That looks better, just had my diff out and it does not go all the way in...should be flush with the metal around it, like your last picture.

 

[euclid]

Installed the CV and re-filled last night. No leak this AM. Will put it all back together this AM and cross my fingers.

 

[euclid]

No leaks so far. Thanks again folks, especially spressomon.