driver's side axle seal repair?

[tinyfrogs]

I have what looks like a really leaky seal on the driver's side of the front differential in the new-to-me 2006 GX w/KDSS and 120+ k miles. I am mechanically inclined and have a more experienced buddy to help.

Does anyone know the procedure for pulling the axle and replacing that seal? I'd like to have the factory service manual (inc for torque specs and part numbers). Also any thoughts on what else really ought to be done at the same time. Truck seems to drive fine, I only noticed the mess while underneath for an oil change. Thanks.

 

[ultrakill]

Just gonna guess it's something like:
Remove wheel
Remove brake caliper
Remove brake disc
Remove steering knuckle (connection to tie rod end, upper & lower ball joints)
Remove CV axle (inspect retaining ring, AKA snap ring which keeps axle inside differential... this will either need to be replaced or "stretched" in order to hold axle in more securely)
Inspect axle seal (Replace if looks funny in any way)

Repeat in opposite procedure for install.

Funny, I have to do this same thing on my other 4x4 (non-Lexus) rig also.

After you have it all put together again, open fill hole in differential and re-fill with proper gear oil to appropriate level.

To answer your actual question, axle seal should be directly accessible once axle is pulled.

 

[madtoy]

http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/files/PDF Files/clamshell-removal.pdf

Obviously you won't remove the diff, but it does explain getting the axle out.

 

[exigex]

Just make sure you don't drive the new seal in too far.

 

[tinyfrogs]

Thanks guys. What's the board preference for diff oils? Drain and fills and breather mods are on my to do list.

 

[ultrakill]

I would just follow the manual on oil type.

 

[exigex]

Amsoil and Mobil1 synthetic are great

 

[tinyfrogs]

FYI, I did this with a buddy last weekend. He's a master mechanic so it was no big deal. The hard part was getting the front differential drain plug unstuck. The drivers side CV axle was a remanufactured unit. We suspect they didn't replace the seal and that's where the leak came from, and that they used air wrench to tighten the drain plug. Animals.

I also discovered my rear shocks are a rusty mess!

 

[GXO]

At least rear shocks are the perfect excuse to spend $300 more and swap out to coils

 

[BlackCat]

FYI, I did this with a buddy last weekend. He's a master mechanic so it was no big deal. The hard part was getting the front differential drain plug unstuck. The drivers side CV axle was a remanufactured unit. We suspect they didn't replace the seal and that's where the leak came from, and that they used air wrench to tighten the drain plug. Animals.

I also discovered my rear shocks are a rusty mess!

You don't need to replace the seal when replacing an axle. It is, however, very easy to nick the seal when installing the axle which can cause a leak.

 

[GXO]

If your axle seals are shot, you blow a CV, or you haven't touched them yet and are servicing/swapping your CVs, this is 5 minutes well spent.