How long should a rear differential seal last?
Rear axle seals last a pretty long time. To be more specific, rear axle seals usually last between 50K and 100K miles. They’re simple parts, so how can they fail? It’s quite simple: wear and tear.
Where are the seals on a rear differential?
Some differentials put these seals just outside the bearings, while others have the seals all the way at the end of the axle tube. Due to different designs, your differential can leak from many different places making it difficult to determine the exact leak location. However, many people find that rear differential leaks are the most common.
How long does it take to replace a differential output seal?
According to most service manuals, the job of replacing the differential output shaft seal may take anywhere from 3 to 5 hours to complete. On some vehicles that have solid rear end housings, the inner seal is referred to as the axle seal, which is typically located on rear wheel drive vehicles and inside the rear hub of the vehicle.
What’s the correct way to repair a rear differential?
The “correct” repair would be to have the differential overhauled, which would involve removal from the vehicle, opening the differential, installing new wear-components like bearings and thrust washers, then reassembling with new gaskets and seals.
Can a slow leak from a differential output seal cause problems?
Under most circumstances, a slow leak coming from the differential output seal won’t cause any problems with driving. However, since the oil supply has no way of being replenished; without physically adding it to the differential, eventually it can cause serious damage to internal components inside.
How much does it cost to replace a differential seal?
When talking about the differential part or component replacement, it’s usually the gasket or the differential output seal which needs fixing or replacing. The gasket replacement can cost between $130 and $200 while the differential output seal costs between $70 and $340.
What does it mean when your rear differential is leaking?
Rear differential leaks are the culprit, either at the axle seals, the pinion seal (where the driveshaft attaches), or the rear differential cover. Light brown or grayish fluid on the ground under the back of your truck is an indication that you have a differential fluid leak.
Where is the pinion seal on a rear differential?
Rear differential pinion seal. At the front of the differential is a yoke that attaches to the driveshaft. The seal around the yoke can develop a leak over time, either from nicks in the rubber or from age.
When do you need to replace the rear differential?
Replacing the rear differential gears. When teeth on the gears have chipped or worn badly, they must be replaced to eliminate the noise and potential for failure. These ‘hard parts’ are the costliest components, and repairs can only get one step worse. Complete rear differential replacement.