GM 24288437 Seal Kit, Front Wheel Drive Shaft

Internal oil leaks can result from the deterioration of the wheel seals; replacement of the seals can be done independently of the transaxle removal. These seals are on the two sides of the transaxle between the inner Constant Velocity (CV) joints and the differential. Another common test for leakage is to raise the car and place it on jackstands; if the seal is leaking, some fluid will be on the side of the transaxle. Drain the transaxle lubricant first, remove the driveaxle; if the right side wheel seal is to be replaced, then remove the intermediate shaft as well. To remove the right side seal, use a screwdriver or prybar and gently leverage it out of the transaxle bore; however, if the seal is stubbornly stuck, then there is a special tool for this purpose. Finally, if the carrier flange is from the left side seal, remove the old bolt and just throw it away, then screw in the new ones provided. For instance, it is possible to use a screwdriver or prybar to remove the wheel seal from the carrier flange; it is also possible to take out the O-ring from the groove on the rear side of the carrier flange. Fit the new wheel seal into position by using a seal driver or a large deep socket, so as to push or drive the wheel seal squarely into contact with the transaxle case or carrier flange and lubricate the lip of the new seal with multi-purpose grease. Typically, for the left side seal, it is required to insert a new O-ring into the groove located at the rear of the carrier and lubricate it; after that, the carrier flange has to be fitted on the transaxle and the new bolts have to be tightened to the specified torque. Last, replace and reinstall the driveaxle, thereby avoiding exerting force on the lip of the new seal, and fill the transaxle with the correct lubricant.

This procedure demands the use of special tool and it would be pertinent advisory to go through the procedure before practicing it. If the special tools are not available, or suitable ones cannot be made, it is best to have the work done at a dealer service department or at another competent repair facility. Leakage of the oil may be caused by the poor condition of the wheel seals, which can be repaired with replacement of the worn ones without necessarily pulling out the transaxle out of the car. The wheel seals are fitted on the sides of the transaxle where the driveaxles are fitted to the transaxle assembly. If leakage is supposed, lift the car and firmly support it on some jack-stands: fluid will be seen on the sides of the transaxle in case of a leaking seal. To replace the left-side seal that is shown in the previous illustration, first, take off the snap-ring of the stub shaft and dispose of it and then, with the aid of a screwdriver or the seal's removal tool, gently pry off the seal from the transaxle bore. Check to see that the new seal is the correct one for the transmission, and then using only a little trans fluid, put some on outside and inside diameters of the new seal. With the new wheel seal, it is required to use seal installation tool, then turn the tool until a correct fit and depth is achieved. What is left is to install a new snap-ring and then the driveaxle to the stub shaft; while doing so, one must avoid rubbing the splines of the driveaxle against the seal. The rest of the removal process is dotted in reverse and before starting the installation process, it is advisable that the transaxle fluid level should be checked and if needed topped up. In case of the right-side seal, first take out the driveaxle after which if required the intermediate shaft, exercise care while retracting the wheel seal from the transaxle bore. Apply fresh transmission fluid on the new seal, proceed and position it properly in the bore, and adjust it to the standard depth. Replace the intermediate shaft if installed, then the driveaxle; be gentle with the splines. The rest of the installation is the reverse of the removal and it is required to inspect the transaxle fluid level and add, if necessary.

This procedure does not apply to the transfer case seals on the right side of AWD models. Oil leaks frequently occur due to wear of the wheel seals, and replacement of these seals is relatively easy since the repairs can be performed without removing the transaxle from the vehicle. The seals are located on the sides of the transaxle where the driveaxles are attached. If leakage of a seal is suspected, raise the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands; if the seal is leaking, fluid will be found on the sides of the transaxle. Remove the driveaxle, noting how deep the seal is installed, then use a screwdriver to carefully pry the seal from its bore. If it can't be removed with a screwdriver, a special seal removal tool (available at most auto supply stores) will be needed. Compare the old seal to the new one to ensure it's correct, then coat the inside and outside diameters of the new seal with transaxle fluid. Using a seal installation tool or a large socket, install the new seal, driving it into the bore squarely and ensuring it's seated to its original depth. Install the driveaxle, and the installation is the reverse of removal. Finally, check the transaxle fluid level, adding if necessary.

This procedure does not apply to the transfer case seals on the right side of AWD models. Oil leaks frequently occur due to wear of the wheel seals, and replacement of these seals is relatively easy since the repairs can be performed without removing the transaxle from the vehicle. The seals are located on the sides of the transaxle where the driveaxles are attached. If leakage of a seal is suspected, raise the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands; if the seal is leaking, fluid will be found on the sides of the transaxle. Remove the driveaxle, noting how deep the seal is installed, then use a screwdriver to carefully pry the seal from its bore. If it can't be removed with a screwdriver, a special seal removal tool (available at most auto supply stores) will be needed. Compare the old seal to the new one to ensure it's correct, then coat the inside and outside diameters of the new seal with transaxle fluid. Using a seal installation tool or a large socket, install the new seal, driving it into the bore squarely and ensuring it's seated to its original depth. Install the driveaxle, and the installation is the reverse of removal. Check the transaxle fluid level, adding if necessary.

Relatively common oil leaks are caused by wear of the wheel seals which can be replaced without necessarily having to affect the transaxle. The seals are integrated in the sides of the transaxle where the driveaxles are joined to. If leakage is suspected the vehicle should be raised on jackstands; the fluid loss will be noticed at the sides of the transaxle if the seal is leaking. Before replacing the wheel seal, it is necessary to disassemble the stub axle shaft, which implies removing the snap-ring on the end of the stub shaft, rotating it until the inner snap-ring engages the differential side gear, and using the puller and slide-hammer mounted on the puller adapter. It is always anticipated that the inner snap-ring should be discarded; and it is always mandatory that new snap rings be used. Both the stub axle shaft sleeve and seal have to be replaced, and new parts have to be fitted. The level of installation of the seal should be measured, and after that, the oil seal should be removed from the transaxle bore with a screwdriver or prybar; if possible, but if this does not work, the removal tool will be required. Check the accuracy of the new seal with the old one, then on the new seal put a small quantity of the transmission fluid on the outside and inside diameters. For the newly purchased wheel seal, using the seal installation tool, place the new wheel seal into the bore squarely and in its original depth. Installing the new sleeve to the deeper position in the cylinder head is done by a special driver; if one is not available, it is recommended that this should be done in a dealer service department or any qualified auto repair shop. Once new snap rings have been fitted to the stub shaft, only align the stub shaft into the seal with the seal mouth, and it should be pressed in until firmly seated without the splines of the shaft rubbing on its lips. Lastly, it is appropriate to reinstall the driveaxle, and remember that it is done the opposite way it was removed. If the transaxle is encountered again, check the fluid level and fill it if needed.

To remove the driveaxle oil seal, start by raising the rear of the vehicle and supporting it securely on jackstands.

Remove the driveaxle(s).