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Old 11-23-2010, 11:45 AM   #7
jdmccright
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Re: Leaking Front Axle Seal (With Pictures)

Changing the differential oil seal will require removal of the passenger side CV joint/half shaft. This means disconnecting the wheel knuckle/bearing hub from the ball joints, which means having to remove tension in the front torsion bar. You'll need some good jacks, stands, and a big ass cheater bar to remove the hub axle nut, ball joint separator (I don't like the pickle fork kind), and a torque wrench capable of at least 220 ft-lbs to get that nut back on tight.

It is not a light undertaking, but it can be done in a long afternoon for a first timer, but plan on going to the parts store a time or two to get the right size socket for the hub nut, other tools, etc.

I got a 4-ft length of iron pipe from the hardware store to use as a cheater bar over my 1-ft 1/2" breaker bar. I also bought a shorter, larger inner diameter piece and an adapter to screw together to fit over my torque wrench's handle...absolutely recommended as a time and back saver.

I also like the jaw-type pitman arm puller to dislodge ball joints rather than pickle forks which can tear the grease boots of joints you want to reuse.

Good luck!
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