1996 tahoe front axle seal leak! Can it be fixed?

CENA · #1 02-16-2009, 10:49 PM

Hello, the reason I ask if it can be fixed is because it has been fixed twice already in less than a year! It is the right side. Is there a known problem with this and how can it be fixed? Thanks for any info!

j cAT · #2 02-17-2009, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CENA

Hello, the reason I ask if it can be fixed is because it has been fixed twice already in less than a year! It is the right side. Is there a known problem with this and how can it be fixed? Thanks for any info!

this would need a better repair shop ...the seal is leaking repeatedly because of wear....on the front dif output ..

CENA · #3 02-18-2009, 05:35 AM

Thanks for the information! What kind of repair shop? Just a different one in general? Or one that specializes in certain repairs?

MT-2500 · #4 02-18-2009, 10:34 AM

Check around Ask around
Word of mouth.
Family friends coworkers neighbors business people and delivery people.
Mailmen and parcel delivery people get around and notice a lot of stuff.
Even a good parts house knows what shops are good and not good.
Chamber of commerce and better business bureau and city hall.
If you find a good referral to a repair shop go look them over and talk to them.
Look for a clean looking busy place with nice people running it.
Ask a few questions and ask about their qualifications and training.
Not all places have trained tech/mechanics.
If they do not find a place that does.
Even all dealers do not have all trained techs/mechanics.

CENA · #5 02-20-2009, 07:27 PM

Well, they fixed it again under warranty, and this time they said that GM came out with a new seal. They had everything apart and said it looks very good. The new seal fits more snug than the old style did. Well, the left side still has the old style seal. He said if that one starts leaking they will put the newer style seal in free of charge. I guess it will be a wait and see on this new style seal.

j cAT · #6 02-21-2009, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CENA

Well, they fixed it again under warranty, and this time they said that GM came out with a new seal. They had everything apart and said it looks very good. The new seal fits more snug than the old style did. Well, the left side still has the old style seal. He said if that one starts leaking they will put the newer style seal in free of charge. I guess it will be a wait and see on this new style seal.

this sounds like B/S to me...

I would ask why did you put the old style seals in....

Reflash · #7 02-23-2009, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j cAT

this sounds like B/S to me...

I would ask why did you put the old style seals in....

and it is BS...the new design seal was released by GM over 10 yrs ago. The old design seal will only fit axles built thru Jan 97. The new design seal will not fit the earlier axles, as the axle hsng was modified to accommodate the new seal. The cause for the premature failure was due to cold temps and since your located in the frigid north, that would increase the likeyhood of repeat failure in such a short period of time. Other factors can also affect the seal failure as well...high mileage and worn parts, off road or rough terrain useage, excessive dirt build up or dusty enviroment where the truck is operated, etc.

So if a GM dealer told you a redesigned seal is available from GM that will fit your Tahoes front axle...it's BS unless your axle was replaced with an axle built after Feb 97. There are codes stamped on the axle that an confirm what the production date is. Post those #s and I will tell you when that axle was built, or at least if the new designed seals will fit it.

Is it possible the dealer used an aftermarket seal? Maybe that's what was meant by telling you a redesigned seal was installed?

CENA · #8 03-13-2009, 12:29 AM

Well, it is leaking again!!! I don't know what to do anymore! Now they want to look at the bearing. I don't think I want to take it there anymore. When they replaced the seal the last time (3 weeks ago) they said they had everything apart, and that everything was in excellent condition. I too am thinking it is because of the cold weather. The seal has only been replaced in cold temps. That is a total of four times now in 14 months or so. Should I wait until it gets warmer out to replace it this time? And yes they said this latest seal was an upgrade from the older seal.

j cAT · #9 03-13-2009, 09:44 AM

[quote=CENA;5933740] Well, it is leaking again!!!
I don't think I want to take it there anymore. quote]

Bring your vehicle to a recommended repair shop, that is familiar with this repair ....those people you had service your vehicle are LIARS.....new seal my azz....

they either put it together wrong or their is something worn/damaged causing the seal to leak after a short time...

CENA · #10 03-14-2009, 09:21 AM

Can I get them to pay for it if I take it somewhere else??

j cAT · #11 03-14-2009, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CENA

Can I get them to pay for it if I take it somewhere else??

I would be happy just to get the vehicle repaired properly in this case...

If the new repair shop states nothing was replaced,, then I would , with a written statement, from the other repair shop, demand the repair costs returned...

how often is the gear oil replaced ? what is the condition of it ....? if internal gear box parts were worn , It should be making noises..

CENA · #12 04-14-2009, 08:09 AM

Well, now they replaced the axle shaft and the seal. Guess what? It leaks. I had to pay for the parts. $112.00.

CENA · #13 05-07-2009, 10:43 PM

Ok, now I have it at Chevy dealer. They say they know what the problem is and are going to fix it. Too much play in the axle. Some tab was broke off a clip? Hope this works!!

j cAT · #14 05-08-2009, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CENA

Ok, now I have it at Chevy dealer. They say they know what the problem is and are going to fix it. Too much play in the axle. Some tab was broke off a clip? Hope this works!!

hopefully it won't be too expensive.....let the forum know what was causing this excessive play/movement...

CENA · #15 05-13-2009, 03:40 AM

Well it is fixed! $330.00. It was too much play in the axle. There is a clip inside the pumpkin that helps keep the axle in place. A tab on the clip was broken causing the axle to have too much play which would put pressure on the seal causing it to fail. Boy, I' am really ticked at that other repair shop!! Should have went to GM the first time! Over a year of hassle!!!

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