I changed the filters in my trans on my '03 Durango today and noticed that the diff seal on the front right side is starting to leak. The seal is on the front diff and the leak is right where the axle comes out of the diff. Is this a "dealer" fix or should I be able to do it myself? Does anyone have a printout of the process? If I am replacing the seal, are there bearings I should replace as well? This is sounding expensive.

 

You need to be more specific or include pictures.

 

The front diff housing is mounted solid and there are axle shafts that go out from the diff and connect to the CV joints on the front wheels. The seal is in the housing where the axle comes out. I will try to take a photo with my phone.

 

Here is a photo:
http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/m...eray1/seal.jpg

 

The axle seal is to blame as you indicated.

You need to remove the Axle Half Shaft (CV) then the seal can be pried out and replaced. Then you clean off the axle shaft and grease before install both axle and seal.

This is how to remove the tie rod end but don't remove the rod end completely, only the rod end from the steering knuckle. Drop it out of the steering knuckle then turn the knuckle to the back of the truck and twist the CV out. Once the CV is out of the knuckle pull and it will pop out. Pull the seal out with a screw driver and slap a new one in by setting the seal up there and placing a flat piece of wood over it and smack the wood flat (with a hammer) into the sealing surface lip to set the seal. Then place the CV back into the axle and hear a POP you are in then re-install.

AXLE SHAFT SEALS
REMOVAL
(1) Remove half shaft and axle shaft.
(2) Remove the axle shaft seal with a small pry
bar.
INSTALLATION
(1) Wipe the axle shaft tube bore clean.
(2) Install a new axle shaft seal with Installer
8402 and Handle C-4171.
(3) Install the axle shaft and half shaft.

 

Great, it sounds like I can do it myself!! I will read this again tomorrow and get the seal. I will probably do it next weekend. I will let you know how it goes. Thanks!!
Dan

 

OK. Now that I have had a chance to think about it....what you are suggesting is that I simply detach the tie rod from the right side knuckle/spindle assembly and move the knuckle as far to the right as possible and this will allow enough slack to pop out the axle shaft from the diff.... Then pop the seal out and replace it. Sounds simple, do I have that right?

 

I read one post that made me think you need to detach the upper ball joint instead of the tie rod and then swing the hub assy down so the axle shaft can be slid out??? So, I guess the question is tie rod or ball joint?

 

If you slip the upper ball joint out you would still have to disconnect the tie rod end. I replaced the CV buy just knocking out the tie rod end and turning it the opposite way enough I could roll the CV out. You will also have to take off the brakes and hub so remember that.


But yes, you got it right. Remember to set the seal buy placing the wood over it and smacking the wood FLAT to recess the seal. Clean the seal to CV contact area and lubricate with a TINY amount of grease and reinstall.

 

Hey hydra, that picture he showed us is not the diff. seals leaking or the cv axle seals. Look at it closely and you can see the diff. above the leak area. Looks like a steering gearbox to me but that is my unedumucated opinion.