Removing Half shaft from diff R33

[Pattey21]

Good afternoon,

I've got a leak out of one of the half-shafts and need to replace the seal.

I've searched for a guide/another thread, nut can't seem to find one (happy to be corrected)

What is the method for removing/reinstalling the half shaft after replacing the seal.

 

Cheers

[Duncan]

Pry out (without damaging seal), there is a circlip in the diff that locates it.

Push back in

[joshuaho96]

  On 09/02/2023 at 5:21 AM, Pattey21 said:

Good afternoon,

I've got a leak out of one of the half-shafts and need to replace the seal.

I've searched for a guide/another thread, nut can't seem to find one (happy to be corrected)

What is the method for removing/reinstalling the half shaft after replacing the seal.

 

Cheers

Expand  

When I had to do this for the front diff I removed the diff cover and spun the diff until I could see the axle inside the diff. Then I used a plastic pry tool with a simple flat edge that gradually widens to full width and a hammer. Jam the pry tool in and use a hammer until the axle pops out. As far as I can tell it did not mar or bend any other parts of the diff this way. My least favorite thing is scraping/prying something out with metal on metal so this was a foolproof technique for me and the car needed a diff oil change pretty badly anyways. Then I used a slide hammer with an expanding jaw puller to remove the seal itself. Be careful when you do this because it will suck to damage the seat of the seal. I expanded it into the rubber to keep it from marring the seat instead of trying to catch the back edge where it meets the seat.

Another method I've seen since doing that job was a tool that hooks onto the outside of the axle and makes it possible to slide hammer the axle out instead of trying to use a pry bar.

[GTSBoy]

  On 09/02/2023 at 7:20 AM, joshuaho96 said:

Another method I've seen since doing that job was a tool that hooks onto the outside of the axle and makes it possible to slide hammer the axle out instead of trying to use a pry bar.

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Yuh, a bit of flat bar with 3 holes in it.

[Pattey21]

Okay great, thanks a lot

[Pattey21]

So I was blaze' with using the seal puller.

I can feel the marks, what can I do so it doesn't leak ie silicone at that point?

[Ben C34]

Dont stress

 

Debur it and use rtv sealant

 

[Pattey21]

  On 28/02/2023 at 7:34 AM, Ben C34 said:

Dont stress

 

Debur it and use rtv sealant

 

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Just by sanding with fine grit or a special tool?

[Duncan]

yeah just fine grade wet and dry, it should be fine

[Pattey21]

  On 28/02/2023 at 8:09 AM, Duncan said:

yeah just fine grade wet and dry, it should be fine

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I was thinking 800?

[GTSBoy]

Have you ever felt 800? It will take you a fair while to move any metal with it. Start with 320 or 400. Only rub a little until you feel the peak come down. Then think about maybe going finer.

[Pattey21]

Just taking the edges off it

[Pattey21]

Put oil around the outer edge besides the score where I used permatex black.

Time will tell but went back together alright/oil filled 

[Pattey21]

So i refilled it and layed it on its side for a day (new seal side down) no leak, went for a drive today and its weeping. Is it possible to be weeping from the half shaft seal, do the take time to bed in?

The seal cam pre-greased in the centre and i lubricated the shaft prior to install.

[MBS206]

What did the mating surface on the half shaft look like?

[Pattey21]

I didn't inspect it thoroughly but my impression when cleaning it prior to lubrication, was the it was "serviceable" but my focus was more on the seal itself.

[MBS206]

  On 15/03/2023 at 8:15 PM, Pattey21 said:

I didn't inspect it thoroughly but my impression when cleaning it prior to lubrication, was the it was "serviceable" but my focus was more on the seal itself.

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Not 100% across this half shaft in particular as I haven't removed one, but it will be pretty much the same as others...

 

The surface the seal rests on on the half shaft itself can also wear. If it starts to wear down, it's not going to mate and seal properly. 

When doing the seal, you need to be checking the inner and outer surfaces it mates to, are in good condition too.

 

Is the oil weep 100% coming from the half shaft seal location?

Have you checked the breathers/vents aren't blocked?

Blocked vents will bust an axle seal/make them weep. This could be why it only showed after a drive, as it needed to heat up and pressurise first (diff unable to breath)

[Pattey21]

Hectic few weeks at work.

I made sure to clear/check the diff vent but I will check the breather hose.

My guess for it being the half shaft seal location is based on filling it prior and lying it on the damaged side overnight and it did not weep.

ill have another look underneath/ check the breather hose