HOW TO: 99-13 GM Front Axle Seals

[@caseyflynn9567]

Going to be attempting it this weekend. Warming up just enough here in mn lol

[@miguelvalenzuela]

Loved the “… got my coffee “… 100% key to get it done.

[@JR-eq3qh]

Driver side seal keeps leaking on my 02 silverado.Bad shaft ????

[@bls2935]

Keep up the good work young boy !!! 👍

[@kelvenguard]

I'm dropping the Oil pan and replacing the O-ring on the pickup tube/oil pump ... Noted my front diff leaking... Prefect time to replace

[@eyefromdasky3269]

My brother! I did the oil pick up tube on my 2000 z71 now I gotta do this lol. I read you're comment and thought it was mine from way back haha keep on trucking

[@kelvenguard]

@@eyefromdasky3269 Funny... Thanks... I ended up pulling the engine 2nd Cam Bearing moved.... Still a Perfect project forces me to remove the engine and High Performance it.... I bought the Low Oil pressure Truck to build a Earth Roamer (Google image)... The Guy that sold me the truck thought it turned a Bearing when I pulled the pan I seen he had installed a New Melling Oil Pump and Green O-ring... Less parts to buy :)

[@kelvenguard]

@@DustinSilva The 2003-2006 GM/Chev front Diffs Leak (Drivers Side more) and look messy but checking the Oil over the last 12 years its never lower than a finger touch... So very slow Leak : )

[@dinonaccarato2989]

Great video, but for guys like Myself we’re not as experienced as you are if you could spend the extra 30 seconds or a minute explaining or showing how parts seals rings, snapped, rings, etc. come apart and which order that really helps and that’s only constructive criticism. You did a great job we got it done quick short video, big kudos for that thank you

[@devonknuteson1704]

This video is not the one you want to watch

[@devonknuteson1704]

You don’t have to remove the diff, I would recommend a different video

[@mdavis717]

I guess I don’t understand why you have to remove entire differential just to replace seals.

[@Neel-xe1po]

Way easier on an 06 plus to just remove the diff

[@Mike-tb7li]

Cause he has a lift

[@Mikey-wf9py]

99-06 you dont

[@ourt1]

i notice that i have play like bearing is bad so i replaced the bearing that seats behind the seal driverside and it still has play and after 2 weeks it started to leak again what is causing the play?

[@mu9627]

Not sure if your still in need of any type of explanation, yet for anyone else who see's this and does, he's what I've learned from this situation on my 02 Tahoe 4wd. The stub axle is supported by the bearing you spoke of, behind the axle seal - drivers side as you spoke of - inside the case side adjuster assembly, which in supported inside the case housing . The inner splined end of the stub axle, which has groove for circlip, is supported inside of the side gear of the carrier housing. What I've seen, on more than one of these AND on 'so called' REMAN units is the side and pinion gears, aka spider gears inside the carrier, are sloppy and worn out along with the circular shims they ride on that sit between them and the carrier case machined surface area. THAT SLOP is what adds to and compounds, an already minutely flexible axle movement scenario. I've replaced the side and pinion gears / spider gear set, with AAM, not the other available aftermarket stuff, my preference, and it removed the play and reduced side play for axle shaft to a minimum. IIRC, the factory service manual spec for new carrier pinion n side gears was between .000 and .006 thou. .000 would seem to tight, yet if everything heats up and expands together, then reckon it works and they do wear in soon enough as I've seen. I had a carrier in the reman unit with mix matched spider gear set, 2 newer looking and 2 with slight fracturing and sloppy yet the shims looked newer. The center pin was okay with light groove, barley catching fingernail and fit was normal in case otherwise. I was going to just replace the gears and decided to have a long look at the carrier itself and check it. Inside from where the cross pin goes through and across the riding surface behind the gear/shim, I was able to see a hairline fracture and could see the metal was discolored from an apparent overheat/lack of lube situation. Figure reman units come from abused cores like anything. Anyhow, new AAM bare carrier to go with already purchased spider gear set and all was back to factory tight and very minute axle side play. If I had to answer this in 3 words, to make it simple: SPIDER GEAR SLOP. Although many other things could cause it, this is major thing I've seen so far pertaining to such. As for the leak, check the vent assembly and use some pipe sealant after cleaning thoroughly to assist along with making sure fill and drain plugs are torqued to spec. Hope this helps!

[@juanmaldonado3281]

WAW. A. SUPER. AWESOME COPRECIBE VIDEO. REALY. TNKS. AND. I FIX MINE. 2..BEST. VIDEO. EVER ...BLESSED BE. SIR

[@richgregg9488]

Mechanic said mines leaking. But did i miss something? Do you have to refill it with fluid. Didn't see that

[@freddogg22]

My 4x4 Actuator is actually getting oil inside of it an in to the electrical plug. What would u recommend?

[@patrickwardle3043]

Incredibly helpful

[@williammoreland9855]

Where can i find the lovk washer behind the c clip i broke mine?

[@donhaffner7843]

got the # to the axle seal for rt frt. ty.

[@Mrgreentruth]

If I got play in the first output shaft does that mean the bearing is out

[@toolwithintention]

What’s the easiest way to get that passengers side c clip in

[@rcprc4696]

Thank you Sir 👍👍👍👍

[@CFarmer]

Great video!

[@Large_Sarge]

Is it this simple if you don't have a lift?

[@saewoody6366]

Yes. I have pulled the entire front diff out on a couple of trucks while the front was up on Jack stands in the driveway. Obviously everything is easier on a lift. But it really isn’t horrible laying on your back in the driveway.

[@OSCARANDRES039]

How u get ur cv axles so straight?? I dont see any angles on them

[@igorikaterenciuk9592]

I changed seal on the driver side and was easy, put everything back how it was and test drive it in 4h when I made turns I heard some noise definitely I didn’t had that noise before I wonder what is that noise from? It’s driving good in 2 wd

[@bradenrein]

Interesting. Possibly a bad CV shaft?

[@shanek6582]

Can you replace the bearing on the drivers side without having to break open the case? I mean can you do it while it’s on the truck and through the stub shaft hole from the outside? Thanks

[@bradenrein]

I would imagine if you’re changing bearings you’d likely have to split the case open. Ive only ever changed seals

[@shanek6582]

@@bradenrein thanks man.

[@ZBrink11]

Hey! I love how you simply disconnected the axles leaving the wheels on, etc. Did you have to remove or do anything with the pitman arm, idler arm, etc?

[@bradenrein]

This is a half ton truck with a rack and pinion steering setup, but with trucks that have idler pitman steering you should be able to turn the wheels one way and get enough room to drop the diff

[@ZBrink11]

@@bradenrein That is for the reply! That's a great idea!

[@OSCARANDRES039]

Thank you for your video. I recently replaced the actuator motor and I had some oil coming out from the hole. Is that normal ???

[@bradenrein]

Sounds normal yep

[@briancayko]

At 7:33 you added the Red RTV gasket maker, how did that end up working for you? I am having a leak at that junction. The Ac Delco parts guy got me an intermediate shaft housing gasket (pn 15270970). My passenger side axle seal is fine so I am hoping i can just replace this housing gasket & not the seal. My drivers side seal is also leaking so I will be replacing that as well. I don’t think I will pull the whole diff though. I don’t have a lift. Thanks for the video & if you have any pointers I’d appreciate it.

[@bradenrein]

I had no issues with it after this video. I believe there is a gasket for that intermediate shaft housing to the pumpkin, but I decided to use RTV because I felt it would seal better. I’ve done several of these front diffs the same way and have yet to have a failure

[@jessebrowning8762]

How come you didn’t go ahead and do the driveshaft seal at the same time since you had it out

[@karlbuckles7192]

Thanks for this! I have to do this on my family's 99 Tahoe and 98 GMC Suburban. Axles look identical. As for the sealant used for the passenger side extension housing, I'll be using Honda Bond. It has been the best I have used for sealing aluminum cases together. Regardless of what one may use, ensure the mating surfaces are clean and dry prior to application and don't add so much that it seeps inside. Again, Thanks for a great video!

[@huckbeduck]

Shirt -tailing onto this comment to remind everyone that the cir-clip stays in the diff. housing, and the axle stubs slide through them and clip in.

[@imagoinfishin]

Ok, I am mechanical inclined. But just want to ask this stupid question. Both seals need to be replaced on mine. Do I HAVE to drop the whole differential housing to replace the seals? I think I may be missing something, since I'm a virgin doing this specific job.

[@bradenrein]

No you don’t need to, I did to make it easier. Drivers side is easy to do in the truck, passenger side needs that side unbolted from the truck to drop the diff down a bit to pull the extension housing out. Then you’ll change the seal with the housing out of the truck

[@terrellscaife2411]

Nice work buddy so how long did it take you to remove that

[@saeidmoshiri6007]

That was awsom son

[@cornywieler5087]

Was there a snap ring on on the first one that you removed

[@bradenrein]

Yes the small stub shaft does have a C clip on the end to keep it in place

[@tylerdirden3416]

Good vid bud thx, so i HAVE to separate the housing to replace drivers side axle seal bc of that lil c clip right? Seen vids of people turning that output shaft and prying it out but they probably damaged the circle clip for sure huh or can u turn the shaft just right where it falls outta the way freeing up shaft to be removed. Wanna do both seals but didnt want to pull dif or seperate housing but do want it done right.

[@bradenrein]

You mean passenger side? Drivers side shaft pops out no problem, passenger side is the one that needs the housing separated. I’ve tried a couple without separating and you end up damaging the C clip and the metal plate with the tabs.

[@tylerdirden3416]

@@bradenrein ya meant passenger side sorry, darn thats what i was afraid of. Okay thank you, i have a RC 3in lift so im afraid my crossbrace will be a must to remove.

[@bradenrein]

Well my lift helped me, I would imagine yours will be the same

[@matthewmccready9787]

Did you use gasket material to put the output shaft back on the differential on the passenger side ?

[@bradenrein]

Just used regular RTV as sealant

[@jermiahsaad1906]

Would this cause my truck not to go in drive?

[@bradenrein]

Nope

[@bcjdwbiernfjherwfbowfib]

very helpful. Thanks

[@marshallr7099]

Any chance you have the part number for those CR seals?

[@marshallr7099]

I found it looks to be SKF 12470

[@Domabeast7]

When you put back on the axle stub shaft on driver side, does the plate sit flush or very close to the transfer or is there a gap? I’m having trouble fitting my new cv axle in and believe it’s bc my axle stub is sticking to far out towards the wheel

[@bradenrein]

There should be a small gap. Try pulling the shaft out by hand, if it doesn’t come out, you should have it seated properly. If it comes out, then it’s not pushed in or clipped in properly

[@Domabeast7]

Can you email me ? [e-mail] I’ll send you pics of what I’m looking at gap wise. I have about an inch and half it looks like to me.

[@stephen9851]

I tried to bang it out and need the new ring where do I get it

[@bradenrein]

I imagine the dealer would be able to get it in

[@thomasdavidson7367]

How’d you get the gear off the right side?

[@steve19558]

Can the drivers side seal be put in with the differential in place?

[@bradenrein]

Yep it can!

[@steve19558]

Is it difficult to remove that stub shaft is there any trick to that with that c-clip in there

[@bradenrein]

Not really, just gotta get a couple good swings at it. If everything is sitting correctly, it shouldn’t take too much force to pop it out

[@jasonhash3172]

Maybe i missed it but you don't have to time it coming apart

[@franklee9127]

First thing you should have done was wheel it outside since you had it on that cart and pressure washed it of to clean it real good so you're not working on dirty greasy stuff...😉

[@mikeeisele2428]

I haven't been able to get the drivers side shaft to pop out or get the snap ring off the passenger side, can u do a more detailed video showing that

[@bradenrein]

Might just need some more force for the drivers side, supposed to come out no issue. Passenger side is a bit more of a hassle and I’ve bent the snap ring before getting it off, just have to be very careful bending it back into shape

[@mikeeisele2428]

@@bradenrein What kind of snap ring tools did you use to remove the snap ring I couldn't get mind a bite in order to expand

[@bradenrein]

It was a struggle but just regular snap ring pliers with a prong small enough to fit into the groove. Helps to use a couple flathead screwdrivers to keep the ring away from the shaft. Tough to explain I know

[@wes11293]

What’s the seal part number?

[@wilbertoquinones5183]

Great buddy

[@zapsproductions628]

Hypothetically speaking what were to happen if you just let the bad seal go...

[@saewoody6366]

You would lose a lot of your fluid eventually and the diff would begin self destructing due to lack of lubrication. You could keep checking fluid levels and topping it off, but that gets old after a while.

[@tashastandingbear9152]

i wish this was a step by step video. this is the first video i found that the axles are connected to the front differential like mines.

[@carrrebuilds5425]

I wanted to see how you got the seal out, it was going too fast 😂

[@bradenrein]

Either a seal puller or a small pry bar should work

[@jetblknewyear310]

Is it possible to reinstall the passenger side shaft without taking the case apart? Reason I ask it because I was removing the strut today to replace it (2013 Silverado 1500) and the force of the knuckle dropping pulled the shaft out of the casing (CV was still bolted on both ends). I can only guess that the force popped the retainer clip off hence why the shaft is out of the case about a half inch now.

[@bradenrein]

No you will have to split the case. Chances are it bent the retainer inside the diff and it will need to be straightened in order to hold the axle in

[@GibborimNephilim]

It is possible if you have the differential removed. Stand the diff up with the passenger side facing up, pull the shaft SLOWLY, and reinstall. I've done it countless times and am doing so today on another truck.

[@jasonweisbrot7739]

U should tell how u do everything in the video. Like torque specs. And how u got the snap pin off.

[@skydiver5707]

Too bad you don’t show step by step the procedure of changing the seals. Thanks for the video though it gives the general idea.

[@bearbones4347]

Sealant? Rtv monster..

[@idecidenotyou]

"Aboot" and "ooot"...😂😂😂😂😂 wtf.

[@mjb2424]

Step one... Remove it from the truck... Step two... Throw it in the dumpster!

[@trevor91]

Would have been a very good educational video if you didn't have that bullsh*t techno music playing and maybe slowed it down on the important parts.

[@joellowery]

You dont have to remote the entire transfer case just to change seals....

[@jaxon258]

You happen to have the part number or link for the seal driver you used?