Front Axle Seal

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From Mark Pain:

Hi all,
I've just returned from a trip out to Cocklebiddy, then into the bush on the Roe Plain. The left hand front axle seal is now leaking diff oil. Does anybody know the seal number and best way to get to it?
Is there any way to grease the front CV joints?
Regards
Mark Pain
May 26, 2010 at 10:29 PM Flag Quote & Reply

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From Joe Baz:

Hi Mark, to get to the seal you will need to remove the diff carrier (crown wheel); there is an upgraded version of the original seal which is like a seal floating inside the outer seal, which reduces the risk of damage when the axle is fitted. I got mine from the US, I can't remember the supplier but will dig it up and let you know.
Don't replace just the leaking one as you have to remove the carrier replace both and you can check the carrier bearings at the same time.
Cheers
Joe
May 26, 2010 at 10:31 PM Flag Quote & Reply

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From Joe Baz:

Hi Mark, the inner axle seal that I mentioned come from mad4wd in the US, but check with Paul Nott because is a good chance that he will have them as he is always looking out for improved parts.
mad4wd.com/
cheers
Joe
May 26, 2010 at 10:32 PM Flag Quote & Reply

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From Peter_n_Margaret:

The "CV" joints are just universals.
Mine have grease nipples.
Cheers,
Peter
May 26, 2010 at 10:33 PM Flag Quote & Reply

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From David Ribbans:

Mark, I replaced my front axle seals when I overhauled my front diff recently, they are not easy to get to, the diff has to be removed (amongst almost everything else).
If it's not a serious leak, and you are not intending to do a lot of river crossings, you might consider forgetting about it and keep topping up the oil. Leaking seals do allow water into the diff housing though and cause rusting on the crown wheel (I know). The front diff is actually inverted compared to the rear and doesn't need to be filled right to the filler plug. Overfilling worsens the leak problem.
I got the seals from Oka but Paul Nott also has them.
You might get some help from the article I wrote on the axle reconstruction process here, there are several other seals that should be replaced at the same time.
The "CV" joints are just small UJ's and may or may not have grease nipples (I have one with and one without for some reason).
Regards,
David Ribbans
May 26, 2010 at 10:35 PM