Differential Output Shaft Seals

[mark030358]

Gents
Is it possible to reolace the diff output shaft seals in situ and how?
cheers
Mark

[Frank Howard]

Mark,

It's certainly possible, but once you've removed the axles, why don't you put 30 more minutes into the job which is required to remove the differential altogether? That way, you'll be able to put it on a bench, clean it, inspect it, and replace the input seal. And if you want to go a step further, you can replace the paper gaskets as well as the torque rod bushings. I was able to remove layers of "metal protection" from the chassis with a putty knife. :rolleyes: You'll also get a chance to clean and lubricate the handbrake mechanism.

Frank Howard
'71 S4 SE
Minnesota

[elancoupe]

I have changed the seals in situ. Since I have cv axles, the rotoflex funnies are not an issue. I purchased a large pair of 90 degree angle snap ring pliers for use on the diff output shaft snap rings. The only real tricky part is the actual output shaft removal. A small, yet weighty slide hammer is needed to pop out the axle following snap ring removal.