Hey All,

I did an oil change on the rig today and noticed a leak on the driver side front axle coming off of the diff. Does anyone know which seal this is? It looks to be before the CV joint. Thanks

 

There is a writeup on here about half shaft replacement. The seals are pretty cheap. It's the labor they hit you on.

First time should take 1 1/2 hour. After the first one it will take less time, you will have the tools you need and the knowledge for the next time.

 

I should be able to swap them out myself. It'll make for a good experience if this is a common issue. I'm guessing it's the axle shaft seals that's leaking?

 

I have the same issue just saw this today. Any idea what this would cost for a shop/dealer to do? Maybe can squeak it out of powertrain warranty?

 

Alldata shows 2.1hrs+seal.. around $250.00 depending on hourly labor rate..

Alldata also states removing the knuckle as part of the repair(not needed) Just remove the upper balljoint from the knuckle and turning the steering wheel is enough , to remove outer joint from hub.

1 hour is plenty of time, working on a lift with the proper tools and seal in hand. add 15mins. doing it on the ground with floor jack and jack stands.


CBphoto has a nice writeup here:

H3/H3T front differential removal, seal replacement, bushing fix.

 

Awesome - thanks!!!

 

no problem.. If you plan on doing this yourself, I can add a couple of steps that I always perform:

1-When removing the axle shaft from the diff, insert a prybar between the inner joint and diff, and pry "pop it out" then pull the axle shaft assy, to prevent the inner joint from separating/or tearing the boot.
2-After the axle is removed, clean the inner shaft joint with a fine emery cloth, where it goes into the axle. (rust/debris will cause seal to fail)
3-Before installing the new seal, I coat the outer part of the seal with rtv,ensuring a tight seal between the seal retainer and the diff housing, and lightly tap the seal in all the way around, or use a cylindrical device (eg: large socket) just slightly smaller than the overall diameter of the new seal, to tap it in evenly. It's in when it is flush with the diff housing.

Other than that, make sure the axle shaft "pops" back into the diff, lube the splines on the outer shaft before inserting back into the hub, and make sure the upper bj, is far enough into the knuckle, for the bolt to slide back in through the groove.
Lastly, properly torque that axle nut. Many recommend using a new axle nut, when it is removed. I don't replace it unless it is damaged, or when I install a new axle, just make sure it it is tight!

 

Super tips! Thanks Again!

 

I did mine on my 07 h3 it is easy I think the seal cost around 12 bucks at napa.

 

If you are going to do it yourself PLEASE buy the Kent Moore Axle Seal Protectors, Part# J-44394?

If not, when you put the half-shaft back in you are scaring/cutting the seal. I got a whole bag of 25 of them off ebay a while ago for under $2 each. I give'em away to other HUMMER owners when we are wheeling together.