How to replace left front axle seal and CV axle, Chev 4X4

This is a step by step description of how I replaced a leaking left front axle seal on a 2000 Chev Suburban 4X4. Details of how to remove and replace the CV axle are also incidentally shown.
UPDATE Dec 2020: Today I uploaded an addendum to this video to explain why it is important to remove and seal the vent tube cover while you are in there. It is here
• How to fix a leaking l...
Starting at about 6:20 of this video you can see the vent cover which can leak axle fluid. Leakage from that plastic cap may be hard to distinguish from a leaking axle seal, so it is wise to remove and reseal the plastic cover at the same time. Because of access difficulty it is much easier to do that while the axle is out. The video update demonstrates how to do that.
This is a demonstration of amateur effort, published for entertainment purposes only. None of the information contained here is guaranteed to be accurate or complete. Do not try this at home! Any misadventure you experience if you decide to repair your vehicle is your responsibility.
Thunderclap sound used under Creative Commons 3.0 license, done by RHumphries at freesound.org/people/RHumphries/

[@shawnc6317]

6 years later, your video is still helping people like me fix their 13 year old trucks! (both axle seals are leaking in my '06 Avalanche)

[@jimredding2449]

great video, I'm doing this job on my 2011 truck in a day or so, thanks

[@Elimino_P]

Thanks a lot. Probably saved me a couple hundred $.

[@Kubvina]

That's about 10 years later now. Good job. Just did on my LTZ 2006 both left and right seals. After watching some videos for the right side axle seal, I found that mine is different. My right shaft tube does not have any electrical connections to unplug. It is a simple straight tube and the axle with the O - ring inside. This axle just longer than left side one. The removal is the same. Bang, bang and it comes out. No spring or washers to watch out for like the shaft tube with electrical sensor connection. Perhaps my electrical sensor connection is somewhere and not on this shaft tube. Just feeling good that I was able to do it. Thank you to all who take their time to post these DIY videos.

[@johnarnold893]

I had the left front seal changed on my '99 yukon and within 4000 kilometers it is leaking worse than before. The dealer isn't responding to my concerns but after watching your video i will check the vent before pursuing any further with the dealer. Having work done at the dealers seems to be a shit show lately. I've had to return for three jobs not done properly on this vehicle.

[@spelunkerd]

If it leaks again within about 6 months I'd complain. I doubt most would warranty beyond a year. Check to be sure it is not overfilled, I'd have to check the service data for the exact fill level. Removing and sealing that vent plug is probably within the wheelhouse for most backyard mechanics.

[@mitchellleonard4030]

Great video. Thanks.

[@JohnEast-gd4cr]

Great Video!

[@Tazman1966]

as for the RTV Blue...I did the same thing on a rear axle seal for the same reason. First go around I didn't use it and the next week I was back in it. For such a small scratch it still leaked. After a thin coat of RTV, 156k hard miles later....still no leak. Let them say what they want. It works. I did polish it a little with emory cloth as well prior to application.

[@burpton5300]

to remove the drivers side axle, I used a plastic tree felling wedge. Available at most hardware stores in the chainsaw area for about 5 dollars. I just put the wedge between the axle flange and the transaxle housing. Just a couple taps with a 2 pound hammer and it popped loose.

[@elfletcho]

I used this method and it worked great. I had to trim my wedge about a 1/4" because the angle wasn't steep enough, but just like described, couple of taps and it popped free.

[@spelunkerd]

Glad to hear it, thanks for the followup.

[@ChapsShrugged]

burpton that's BRILLIANT! THANK YOU! Now for an easy blind bearing removal!

[@devildogae]

Thanks for the info

[@jmccomas2010]

Excellent tip!

[@rarr2616]

I went ahead and tried it. Got the shaft out fine. I did have to remove both the stabilizer bar and tie rod to get the drive shaft out of the way. In doing all that, I tore the dust boot on the upper ball joint, so that's the next item to tackle. My seal looks a little different than yours, but I did get it installed and the shaft back in the case. Everything turns like it should. Thanks for your help, keep making great videos!

[@Powerstrokemods]

This is one of the best and clearest videos I've seen on this subject, thank you very much, I wish more people would follow your example. Thank you very much!

[@kruser79]

Excellent posting! My '06 2500HD looks to be needing this seal. I know it's a different diff, but I can see that the procedure is the same. It'll be MUCH easier when I get down to it. Thank you!

[@spelunkerd]

I wondered if that would work. When I did the axle seal on the right side, shown in another video, the way you describe is the way I did it. On this side I followed the dealers manual guide, which suggests doing it this way. The reason I chose a longer method was because I knew the C-clip would be a problem and I wanted plenty of room to work with. But it's nice to hear from somebody who was able to get it done a quicker way. Thanks!

[@BackwoodsInsanity]

My friend wanted this as his funeral song , Rest In Peace Jesse Henderson

[@PeterB12345]

Thanks for the video! Will be swapping axles and hubs soon... it's good to know I've identified all the parts down there correctly!

[@jamesdanner7850]

Thank you my friend!. My lifted 99 tahoe with plow actually snapped the flange off the shaft. That was interesting trying to get the axle out without something to tap or pry against. Anyway, my c clip stayed in the diff as well and spun like it was in a groove so I wasn't sure if I had to try to get it out or not. Your video gave me peace of mind to leave it and tap it back together. Thanks again... Danner

[@spelunkerd]

Oh James, I'm honored to have you visit my humble channel. I watch your feed all the time, you've got an excellent, practical channel full of good teaching advice.

[@DevinHarper]

KZbin at its very best. Excellent instructional, thank you sir.

[@spelunkerd]

Thanks!

[@eddie6015]

This video was extremely helpful for me. Very professionally done. You provided all the information I needed and more to perform this job with ease. Thanks for the Torque specs as well.

[@carl62611]

Great instructional video. I’ll be doing mine this week

[@Patriottoo2]

Excellent videography. Thanks for taking the time to do it so well!!

[@KyleCarrington]

very well done.. the video.. you narrated it very well. i have a'89 chev silverado, and im thinking about doing an axle re/re myself.

[@spelunkerd]

KyleCarrington Thanks, man. The tricky part is the snap ring inside the diff. Hopefully it slides out for you, without difficulty.

[@stuzman52]

Nice job Dave! Yeah, those c-clips can be a PITA. I sure am glad to see you use some grease on the splines of your axle before you slid it in. There are so many of these videos out there where guys will just slide them in dry. I had one axle where the splines were totally rusted together. That joker took me about seven hours of penetrating oil, puller, impact wrench, etc. just to get the splines to separate. Not a bit of grease on there. Keep up the good work!

[@michaellines6386]

My little brother just paid 325.00 to repair his passenger side. well worth the price. Thanks for the knowledge.

[@spelunkerd]

Great work. Doing something like that, especially if there are complications, leads to wisdom that is hard to measure. Thanks for the update.

[@spelunkerd]

Thank you. It's at the age now where things are going wrong, making it fertile ground for lots of repair videos (grin). Why would anybody want a new car when you can have so much more fun with older vehicles....

[@johnnybravo2373]

My 2000 went bad last week. Thanks for the preview of my near future! Well done, i might add.

[@spelunkerd]

It's great to have feedback that the faster option works here. Thanks for your contribution to the thread.

[@westwasbest]

Thank you for an excellent and detailed video! Replacing my CV shaft and seal in a few days, this was very helpful!

[@oldscutlass2787]

Awesome Job!!! You've found your calling, thanks for the great info. It's one thing to be mechanically inclined and another to have have experience. Couldn't have the latter without good people like yourself!!!

[@jameshus1695]

Thank you for a most complete video including the torque specifications and the minute observations. Since my local parts store has a tool loaner program I decided to go the slide hammer approach (I couldn't find my steel wedge I usually have for things like this). I welded two 5/8-18 nuts to a 1/2-13 coupler. The slide hammer had 5/8-18 male. I then used a 24" piece of 1/2-13 threaded rod to pass through the wheel hub and attach to the puller bracket. With the truck on stands I used the jack to raise the wheel hub to be nearly concentric with the differential. With a couple of slide actions the output flange stub came out. My local shop quoted me $450 for this job.

[@larrylamb3480]

Very good video . You explained every move in detail . It will make my job of changing out the left side seal on my Envoy much easier ! Thank you for such an informative video .

[@StMoritzGuitars]

Thanks, You just saved me a ton of work. My passenger side is leaking plus I need to replace the half shaft as well on my 2003 Silverado.

[@scottwilson107]

Great video. I'm certainly going to give it a try. Looks a lot simpler than the RT side. And good to note that I should get the slide puller before attempting.

[@dirkdaddy2]

Great job. I have this exact job needed on my truck and this was clear as to procedure and tips.

[@spelunkerd]

Thanks, I'm glad it helped. Many people have added remarks in this comments section, and some of those comments are worth scrolling through, too. Good luck!

[@unclepeanut8066]

Worked on 98 gmc suburban slt had to grind the frame down a little to slide the axle coming for the dif straight out and I didn’t have the socket for the axle in the hub so I didn’t take that off

[@davidbruce2159]

had to remove both stablizer links to create enough room for the cv shaft removal on my 2010 silverado ....very good video thx

[@TimeTravelingPoet]

Amazing. Thank you, very much for this well articulated instruction.

[@Tailu66]

Great video; super helpful. Job is less complicated than I thought. I have the factory shop manual for 89 3500K but this video completes all the information I have. Thanks

[@spelunkerd]

As you know you are planning a much more extensive repair, one that would be popular here on youtube if you take the time to film it. Thanks for your comments here, they improve the depth of the thread. Good luck!

[@davej.a1698]

Very well filmed & narrated video thank you very much!

[@BenTedesco]

Very helpful! Thank you so much for publishing this, great tips!

[@blackwell1384]

i was in the waiting room at the chevrolet dealer when another customer was being quoted the estimate to change both seals. I don't remember the number but it was attention getting. On my 2002 I was surprised to discover that the steering column does not lock ( at 9:00 or so you mention turning the key to allow the steering wheel to turn) maybe that is a difference between canadian and us models. Keep up the good work, I really enjoy the content and the production quality of your videos.

[@HairMetalJintz]

Fantastic video - super helpful and precise....Great Job !

[@mikeobrien3205]

Perfect instructional video. I appreciated you giving a tour of the front end while under there. Thank you so much

[@spelunkerd]

Thank you, Terry. Last week I watched Briansmobile1 do an axle that would NOT come free of the knuckle. What a pain.

[@michaellines6386]

My little brother just paid 325.00 to repair his passenger side. well worth the price. Thanks for the knowledge..

[@mrmotofy]

Excellent vid, proper lighting, shows all relevant info and sequence, give approx torque. Everything most of the other vids didn't have.

[@spelunkerd]

Thanks, man.

[@Volume138]

Thanks for the video you just inspired me to do mine. Long over due and getting sick of adding fluid and cleaning up drip marks from the driveway. Thanks and keep them coming.

[@spelunkerd]

Kevin Frost Thanks, man!

[@johnnyurenda6569]

Thank you that was very informative I'm going to have to change out my seal also, lots of good points

[@IT-nm5xy]

Great video! Thank you so much for taking the time to make it and help people.

[@cindymassey296]

yer video is done very well is to fallow with clear explanation of changing the seal.. thanks much ..

[@markster0111]

I have a 96 suburban everyone told me to use dexron for my fluid.good video.

[@spelunkerd]

mark bryant I use dexron and I've had no problem with it. Others on the 'net complain that it sometimes gums up, causing lots of issues. I think many of those problems are a consequence of overheating, and I wonder if dexron is particularly susceptible to formation of residue when overheated. However there are antioxidant properties that advertisers say is an advantage. If you do switch over, drain everything first to avoid incompatibility issues.

[@jrmiller1970]

Noticed mine is leaking today while changing my engine oil. Thanks for posting this video-it is now on my "to do" list.

[@spelunkerd]

Let us know how it turns out, thanks for the reply.

[@bobcollins1475]

Great video and no annoying background music for a change. Two thumbs up!

[@spelunkerd]

Yes, I know what you mean, Thank you.

[@scottlarson8299]

Your demonstration was excellent. You were very helpful in your explanations and easy to follow. It looks like a fairly reasonable job to do for an average ability mechanic to do. A huge thank you for your willing to share your knowledge.

[@spelunkerd]

Thank you.

[@rasheemjackson1987]

Thank u for such a detailed video your help was greatly appreciate it

[@rickygray7767]

You did a fantastic job, very educational!!!! Well done👍

[@spelunkerd]

Thank you.

[@blucio12]

thanks for this video... It helped to know what the mechanics will be replacing (seal). God bless.

[@spelunkerd]

You're welcome, thanks for the feedback.

[@1robin1000]

Thanks very much for the time you took to do a great video.

[@miedema952]

Great video. Planning on doing the seals on my 2010. I would imagine it's the same concept.

[@spelunkerd]

Probably, I'm not sure. I use Alldata, but whether you use Mitchells, Alldata, or an ebay copy of your dealers manual, it would be wise to check that out first. Have a close look at the CV joints as well. Sloppy movement of those joints could cause your seal to leak. Good luck!

[@2armys]

Just noticed tonite I have a left front seal leaking on my 06 Sierra, which is why I was looking here. Great video - thanks for the help!

[@spelunkerd]

Thanks, let us know how it works out.

[@sugargoldy]

very very good video thank you I get to do that to one of my buddies trucks here in a couple of weeks now I know how to do it thank you again and I feel for you laying on the ground doing that

[@braddavies9536]

I just did my seal on my 98 k2500. I removed the sway bay link, ( both need replacing anyway) removed the axel, then tried prying with a pry bar. I didn't like prying on the aluminum housing, so I used a hammer and a small piece of wood and hammered on the axel flange while turning the flange. It took a little time, but it came out. The c clip was still on the axel, but looked good. Replaced the seal, being very careful tapping in the new seal, and all went back together well. I have good ground clearance, so I didn't even jack up the truck. Took about 3 hours. Now I am off for an inspection sticker. Thanks for the good video and info!!

[@sirhcdravas7399]

Brad Davies read your comment on changing you axle seal. You said the c clip stayed on the axle, was is still "tough" tapping it out? Also, how is it doing? Any leaking, is it still good?

[@braddavies9536]

It took a little work, but it did come out. I did notice the seal was still leaking about a month later, witch tells me that the axel itself had worn a grove where the seal makes contact with the axel. I have since traded the truck in, as a lifter was sticking and I didn't want to remove the intake manifold to replace the lifter. Good luck with your project.

[@lukastomasch]

Awesome video mate, thanks a lot! It definitely helped me to identify the tasks and buy the right tools. Now all I have to do is wait until the bearings and seals arrive. Oh yes I also may have to replace the bearings...I already feel freeplay on both axle shafts. Cheers! P.S. the torque specs you mentioned were a nice touch!

[@dingo5154]

thanks for the video im about to change Same seal on my Colorado

[@spelunkerd]

Thanks for adding that, it helps others and improves the thread. I'm looking forward to watching (grin).

[@jordanhall6675]

So helpful! Thank you for taking the time to make these videos. I have to do the outer bearings on an 03 very soon.

[@spelunkerd]

Thank you for the feedback, Jordan.

[@brewse64]

extremely informative video bro...thank you

[@spelunkerd]

I'm glad it helped, thanks for the followup.

[@rogerrasmussen6325]

Very well demonstrated, Thank you!

[@spelunkerd]

Thanks for the followup.

[@zeusdogdog]

Good vid I am sooo glad I have a 2 post lift don't miss working on the ground

[@spelunkerd]

Yeah, I know what you mean. I thought about installing a lift in my garage but I would have had to lift the roof to do it. Not worth it. Thanks for watching!

[@schattej]

This is a great video. Well done. Not only did it help me, but it was enjoyable to watch.

[@spelunkerd]

Thanks, man!

[@gman1035]

Thank you so much for this upload of information.

[@timl3417]

You explained it very well and you did a great job on your video, thanks.... Keep up with the videos because they are very helpful to us all.

[@spelunkerd]

And thank you for the feedback.

[@aktrapper6126]

Thanks for the video, very helpful. You must be a nurse or Paramedic. I've never heard a mechanic use the word patent describing a unobstructed breather. "Clear" is the word most commonly used but I knew what you were saying.

[@jjrock5]

Great video. I'll be doing this to my '99 Silverado soon.

[@dronedbr]

Awesome video. Thanks for taking the time to make it since it answered my questions and concerns.

[@spelunkerd]

+Dan R I'm glad it helped, thanks for the feedback.

[@jephluvsred]

I cant thank you enough for this video. You saved me a couple hundred dollars. I too did this without removing the CV from the hub. Yeah it woulda allowed more room but it saved me a trip to the dreaded dealership.

[@crazcougg961]

Awesome video, thanks for sharing!

[@spelunkerd]

Thanks. You should plan to reseal the vent cap while in there, I show that in a followup video, link in the video description.

[@longrange425]

thank you you saved my friend alot of money me and him got it done quick cause we didnt have to go through trial and error process

[@spelunkerd]

I'm glad it helped, thanks for the feedback.

[@skyling56]

I have to do this to my 08 Silverado. One video I saw to remove the Differential Case then place it on a bench to knock out the shaft. You did luck out on the C clip. Wish me luck.

[@EEnsign97]

great video! Thank you for adding all the info on the TSB's as well. I read those often and its great you include all those helpful hints that I guarantee would drive me crazy as I was doing this. I just hope I can keep as calm as you! haha.

[@jayzz6617]

We sqqjhb. I lawsnubbin

[@dwightlindahl1765]

Great video and thanks for sharing! Lots of great info.

[@spelunkerd]

Thanks!

[@flworkingman]

Very helpful. Thanks alot!

[@shuriKen469]

smooth camera work, transitions, editing in general. i enjoy workin on my truck and watching others work on similar Chevy truck models, even if i know i wouldn't be able to do the same repair/service.

[@johnlaska2875]

thanks for the vid .I just did mine after watching this vid. Less than an hour. You dont need to stick it 4wd if you use an impact gun to remove the bolts and I didnt remove the sway bar link bu did remove the sway bar to frame mount bolts and which allowed the driveshaft to slide out.

[@spelunkerd]

Thanks for recording your experience here, I'm sure others will find it useful.

[@evanch123456]

Did your stub pop out fairly easily?

[@ajello49]

Great video. My passenger side CV boot just blew on me. This video is a great help.

[@spelunkerd]

I'm glad you liked it. The repair is pretty easy if you have the right tools and safely take your time. I did the passenger side intermediate shaft seal on this vehicle, shown on my channel. The two sides are not identical but the principles are similar.

[@d3d3eh]

Thanks for the advice!

[@spelunkerd]

You're welcome.

[@slickfu]

Awesome video! I really appreciate all your vids. Guys like you are empowering people like never before. Thanks for what you do!

[@spelunkerd]

Thanks Eric. I felt the same way when I first came to youtube! The guys who did those vids helped me a lot, and it was the driving force behind my effort to pass that on. What a huge difference a few years make, the knowledge base is huge now... What a great feeling, to be part of something that is larger than any one person.

[@tylerdirden3416]

Just wanted to say thx for making this video, u gave me the inspiration to change out both of my leaky seal on my 99 z-71. Although i will say im a lil scared of that cclip on the half shaft just bc i dont understand how it aligns to pull out half shaft.

[@lescoggins5591]

Good job man, your Video was just what I needed. The Chiltons manual says to pry it off with a large screwdriver or two. We all know that it's not good to get crazy a pullin & a pryin against an aluminum housing of any kind. And it sure doesn't come out as easy as the book makes it sound. Great Vid! Thanks!

[@RaoulThomas007]

You can use a 2x4 and place it against the flange and tap it out with a hammer. Same concept that he illustrated in the video, just different tools.

[@crateman9182]

Thanks for the vid. I was going to take mine to a garage, but I can handle the job after seeing your video. Thanks !!!!!

[@spelunkerd]

I'm glad it helped. Good luck!

[@crateman9182]

Finished the seal replacement. There is an "improved" seal the dealership sold me that looks a lot more robust than the old one. Job went smooth. Thanks Again!!!

[@spelunkerd]

Great, thanks for the followup. Interestingly, one viewer mentioned that his parts supplier was selling a seal that needed to be installed 'backwards' compared to the OEM seal. His seal was labelled that way. I used a NAPA seal that looked identical to the original and it went in the same way as the original.

[@tylerstewart1226]

Thanks very much for this video spelunkerd! I used it today as a reference while changing the seal on my 98 K1500. I also noticed that the snap ring remained inside the housing, so I assume that it's normal. I would just like to add that I had a lot of trouble pounding the shaft out. I found that tapping the shaft into the housing first freed up a bind in the snap ring and then it just popped right out. Thanks again!

[@spelunkerd]

Good point!

[@baytreeelk]

The exact video I wanted to see and the first that popped up on my search. Thank you very much. Stephen, edm. Ab.

[@Tazman1966]

Thanks for the video. My son just wobbled my 98 z71 home. The driver's side wheel is at almost a 45 degree angle. Not sure how he even got it home. The cv boot at the wheel has grease all over the place and you can see separation at the back plate. Probably a good chance I will have to replace the wheel/hub assembly as well. It's ugly. I've never replaced a CV axle before but your video makes it look very straight forward. Thanks!

[@spelunkerd]

Thanks, Sean.

[@michaelpasiuk9332]

Thank You for this video. I replaced the Left Axle Seal this past weekend with the aid of this video! A couple of tips that worked for me. I used 2 tree felling wedges (as suggested in the comments section) and worked like a charm. I also put the new axle seal in the freezer overnight. Not sure if the freezing was the reason why, but the seal install was much less painful than my past experiences. thx again

[@jimmyinglish2669]

Very nice video!!!! Thank you!

[@gerry6310]

Enjoy your videos. Keep em coming as it saves time and money when I can do the work myself and at my leisure. Would love to see front differential replacement on a 2500hd in the future as I may have to replace mine soon. Thanks again

[@spelunkerd]

Thanks. Unfortunately my front diff is working fine (grin). You should turn on the video camera when you do yours, ha ha.

[@donaldwebster6690]

Thank you was very helpful.

[@spelunkerd]

You're welcome, I'm glad it helped.

[@spelunkerd]

A few viewers have noted that they were able to remove the axle seal without removing the CV axle or the wheel. If it works you'll save time, though it may be a little harder to maneuver with the axle in the way. The way I did it is the way the dealers manual explains how to do the job. However it wouldn't be the first time that techs found a time-saving short cut not mentioned in the manual.