Front Axle Seal?

[DJinCO]

Drip, drip... drivers side. Is this the part that everyone says goes out and when you replace it it gets torn or nicked in reassembly?

From what I understand, the dealership is hit or miss with this repair. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

If the process is pretty straight forward, I would prefer doing this myself. Is there a tool to help protect the seal on install?

Thanks.

 

[digglesworth]

From my understanding, these seals are a normal wear item and will need to be changed several times during your relationship with your truck. You've gotta pull the knuckle so you've gotta undo the tie rod, upper ball joint and mist likely the lower ball joint. Take the caliper off and hang it up outta the way. You'll need a 36mm socket for the hub nut. The axle just pulls out after that. There's been write ups on this I believe. Alrock can direct you to the seal saver tool. I have them but don't have the link handy. I'm getting ready to tackle this myself. Try searching cv shaft replacement or axle seal replacement...

 

[alrock]

http://m.ebay.com/itm/300740617507?nav=SEARCH&sbk=1


Sent from my KFTHWI using Tapatalk

 

[stangster]

Don't forget to smoothen axle with sandpaper a little at the sealing surface before putting everything back together. Otherwise it will leak again shortly after the exchange.

 

[DJinCO]

Thanks everyone. I agree with the comment that this is just part of the normal wear items. I just can't convince myself that the dealership, while they were the original selling HUMMER dealership, would be giving the repair the same level of attention to detail today as they did in 2006.

I believe this repair is a project that I will accomplish in my garage. Worst case I could go to the USAFA Auto Hobby Shop; I really would rather not. Too much micro-management - even at the auto hobby shop. I'll also be sure to get those axle seal protectors.

 

[digglesworth]

That sounds like a good plan if you have the resources. Plus it'll be good practice for you if you ever have to replace a cv shaft on the trail.

 

[DJinCO]

+1 Amen to that. I read about broken half-shafts and it does concern me. I am easy on the skinny pedal. I must also remember that the yellow HUMMER has 145K miles on the odometer!