We just replaced the driver side axle seal (differential oil seal). The seal spins in the housing. Should it?

We would hate to have to take the axle out again so we wanted to check before we put it back in.

Any help is appreciated.

 

Axle Seal should not spin. You have the seal in too far. It will leak. The outside seal lip should be flush with the transmission casing.

 

Another possibility is that you did not get the correct seal.

 

I think I got the right seal. Went directly to the dealership. I think we just put it in too far. I'll pick up some new ones this week and try it again. The tricky part is getting them to go in evenly.

 

I know it is tight in that area but a trick I learned/use frequently when doing these diff oil seals is get a piece of PVC pipe with an inner diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the oil seal. Place the seal gently in the casing then put the pvc pipe over the seal. Once you get the pipe over the seal place a block of wood on the end of the PVC pipe facing you and tap gently with a hammer.

Its easier than it sounds and I've never had a problem using this method.