My 1994 has a small leak on the right rear half shaft. The seal must be failing. The leak is where it enters the differential. My question is: How much trouble is it to change this seal? Special tools required? Should I take it somewhere to get this repaired...I am just an average backyard mechanic. Should any other parts be replaced during a repair like this? What about rear gear oil? Should I stick with the convential 80-90W? Maybe I should just change the oil and live with the small drip...any thoughts?
Right rear half shaft seal leaking...
- Thread starter Fife
- Start date
If the leak is very small, you may be best served to service the oil and live with it.
It is not a difficult procedure to change the seal but it does involve pulling the offending half-shaft and hub assembly. It would likely be several hours of shop time for a very small dollar amount in parts. So I would recommend this as a DIY job. If you know someone with a lift and would help, it could be done in a couple hours, including removal of the rear cover and a full replacement of the gear oil.
You may want to check that the vent for the differential is not blocked.
I would definitely replace the bearing of the same side while I was replacing the seal, but that is a subjective opinion. Removal of the bearing would require a small bearing puller. Both the seal and bearing can be installed with care without special tools.
It is not a difficult procedure to change the seal but it does involve pulling the offending half-shaft and hub assembly. It would likely be several hours of shop time for a very small dollar amount in parts. So I would recommend this as a DIY job. If you know someone with a lift and would help, it could be done in a couple hours, including removal of the rear cover and a full replacement of the gear oil.
You may want to check that the vent for the differential is not blocked.
I would definitely replace the bearing of the same side while I was replacing the seal, but that is a subjective opinion. Removal of the bearing would require a small bearing puller. Both the seal and bearing can be installed with care without special tools.
mk8fanatic
Registered
You should do the seal 
Just take off the wheel, knock off the three bolts holding the hub on and pull the whole darn thing out and the half shaft will come with it. then all you have to do is take a flat head screw driver and pop out that seal... Tap in a new seal and your on the home stretch :fart
Just take off the wheel, knock off the three bolts holding the hub on and pull the whole darn thing out and the half shaft will come with it. then all you have to do is take a flat head screw driver and pop out that seal... Tap in a new seal and your on the home stretch :fart