Front Differential Leak

[gophergunner]

So tonight as I had my truck on the hoist to change oil, I noticed what looks like a leak from my front differential. Lots of oil splashed around as it would from a rotating drive axle.

Its late and I just drained engine oil so far so I haven't checked how low my diff fluid is....

The leak looks to be from the seal to the drivers side drive axle on the differential housing. I'm wondering how much of a job it is to change a seal on such a thing? Is it something fairly easy to tackle or do I have to pull apart half of my front end just to get to what I need? Also, would it be wise to change any related bearings (if there are any that would be directly affected)?

Its the only vehicle I have and I rather like being able to get to work so I'd like to fix it so I can continue to happily drive around without worrying about it.

For the record, truck is a 2006 GMC 2500HD Duramax/Allison and 4x4 obviously.

I appreciate any help or input. Thanks in advance.

[madmatt]

easy, remove the bolts (6 I think) that hold the outer axle to the inner axle flange. Knock the inner out of the housing, R&I seal and reverse procedure. I have had a couple that stuck in the housing requiring the diff being removed so it could be worked on, on the bench. One got a whole new front diff over it.

[More Power]

I've helped change the axle-end seals in the 90's front drive axle. Once the CV assembly has been removed, the flanged axle stubs can be popped out. The driver's side seal was easier to change in the truck. We dropped the axle assembly to change the passenger side.

Jim

[gophergunner]

What seemed like a quick and simple job has quickly turned into something far more expensive than I would have expected, as well as very frustrating and annoying.

Can't pop the flange off the driver's side, so now the whole differential assembly must come out. Apparently it will need to be taken apart to get the flange off. So once I have it out, off to the dealer it goes. One plus side to anything here is at least I can save myself the time and labour cost of removing the whole thing if I do it myself.

I love the truck when its running nice and not having trouble, but such a simple thing can really annoy me to the point of not wanting such a new vehicle again......:mad: