DIY: Differential output shaft seals

JeST · Fri, Jun-27-2008, 06:01:42 PM

Been getting some pm's in regards to how to replace the seals. Hope this rough diy guide gives you diy'ers an idea.

To get started for the axle shaft seal remove the wheel on the axle you'll be working on. To disconnect the axle from the flange you'll need to release the (I believe 6) inverted torx sockets (Believe it's a E11 or E12).

After you remove the inverted torx sockets to disconnect the axle from the flange I like to use 2 pry bars. 1 on each side and try and wiggle it loose by moving the pry bar side to side (or whatever works best for you).

By now you'll be able to see the seal. Try and keep a mental note as to how far the seal sits in the flange. When your placing the new seal in make sure all of the original parts from the original seal is out (primarily the skinny circular spring, you'll see the spring when you look at the new seal). Use something a little smaller in diameter then the seal itself (I know this is kind of vague but really anything thats a little smaller in diameter will work) and tap it in with a small hammer (it's a tight fit in there but you'll have to tap the seal in until the seal is in the flange about 1/4" deep into the flange). Seal has to sit flush (without having one side of the seal in or further out then the opposite side).

Reinstall flange and axle. Top off the diff fluid.

If you run into anything send me a pm. I'll see if I can help some more.

Goodluck
-Pete

JeST · Fri, Jun-27-2008, 06:05:41 PM

I forgot to mention when trying to remove the old seal without the special tool I like to use a prybar. When using the prybar you have to be really careful to not score the flange (as this'll cause perminant leaks). If you take a look at the existing seal (or look at the new seal you'll be using) there a lip you can get the tip of your prybar into. From there carefully pry out. Careful as in not to damage the flange but you'll need some force in order to pop it out.

darkcrash21 · Wed, Aug-06-2008, 06:33:58 PM

Damn i might be doing this soon. My diff is leaking but i dont know what is causing it... =\

JeST · Wed, Aug-06-2008, 08:54:56 PM

Half shaft seals are really straight forward. Theres a couple of steps where you'll need to get creative but not difficult at all. good luck. Post up if you need a hand.

darkcrash21 · Wed, Aug-06-2008, 08:59:05 PM

Now the half shaft seals are what? hahaha

There are 3 shafts from what i know, input shaft from the drive shaft, the passenger and driver side shafts for the wheels. Correct?

JeST · Mon, Aug-11-2008, 11:43:51 PM

correct

bimmer777 · Wed, Aug-13-2008, 09:22:53 PM

Do you have a DYI for the input drive shaft? I will be replacing the seal soon.

JeST · Wed, Aug-13-2008, 11:06:08 PM

Getting to the seal is different. Remove exhaust, and driveshaft but replacing the seal is the same concept.

bimmer777 · Thu, Aug-14-2008, 12:43:03 AM

No need to drop the diff?

JeST · Thu, Aug-14-2008, 02:13:32 AM

Not unless you plan on changing out the ring and pinion to something more aggressive.

Fri, Jun-27-2008, 06:01:42 PM	#1
JeST Old Skool Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 6,382 Reputation: 0 Location: Zoo York	DIY: Differential output shaft seals Been getting some pm's in regards to how to replace the seals. Hope this rough diy guide gives you diy'ers an idea. To get started for the axle shaft seal remove the wheel on the axle you'll be working on. To disconnect the axle from the flange you'll need to release the (I believe 6) inverted torx sockets (Believe it's a E11 or E12). After you remove the inverted torx sockets to disconnect the axle from the flange I like to use 2 pry bars. 1 on each side and try and wiggle it loose by moving the pry bar side to side (or whatever works best for you). By now you'll be able to see the seal. Try and keep a mental note as to how far the seal sits in the flange. When your placing the new seal in make sure all of the original parts from the original seal is out (primarily the skinny circular spring, you'll see the spring when you look at the new seal). Use something a little smaller in diameter then the seal itself (I know this is kind of vague but really anything thats a little smaller in diameter will work) and tap it in with a small hammer (it's a tight fit in there but you'll have to tap the seal in until the seal is in the flange about 1/4" deep into the flange). Seal has to sit flush (without having one side of the seal in or further out then the opposite side). Reinstall flange and axle. Top off the diff fluid. If you run into anything send me a pm. I'll see if I can help some more. Goodluck -Pete __________________ 1988 M3 - Henna/black on black alcantara 2012 Ducati 848 Evo Corse

Fri, Jun-27-2008, 06:05:41 PM	#2
JeST Old Skool Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 6,382 Reputation: 0 Location: Zoo York	I forgot to mention when trying to remove the old seal without the special tool I like to use a prybar. When using the prybar you have to be really careful to not score the flange (as this'll cause perminant leaks). If you take a look at the existing seal (or look at the new seal you'll be using) there a lip you can get the tip of your prybar into. From there carefully pry out. Careful as in not to damage the flange but you'll need some force in order to pop it out. __________________ 1988 M3 - Henna/black on black alcantara 2012 Ducati 848 Evo Corse

Wed, Aug-06-2008, 06:33:58 PM	#3
darkcrash21 ///Mike Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 992 Reputation: 0 Location: Los Angeles, CA	Damn i might be doing this soon. My diff is leaking but i dont know what is causing it... =\ __________________ 2002 ///M3 Carbon Black / CF interior VF-Engineering Stage 2 ● Tial Q BOV ● Okada Projects ● AEM Water/Meth ● Stoptech BBK ST60/ST40 ● HPF Stage 1 Feramic Clutch ● HPF/Walbro Fuel Pump ● Mason Engineering F/R Strut Bar and Clutch Pedal ● Ground Control SuperStreet Double Adj Coilovers w/ Hyperco 600F/700R ● Treehouse FCAB ● UUC Rear Lower Control Arms ● Eibach F/R Adj Sway Bars ● Agency Power Headers ● CPI section 1 w/ 400cell cats ● RE X-pipe with EVC ● RE El Diablo Ti ● Platte Forme AG Rear Subframe Reinforcement ● lots and lots of other crap...

Wed, Aug-06-2008, 08:54:56 PM	#4
JeST Old Skool Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 6,382 Reputation: 0 Location: Zoo York	Half shaft seals are really straight forward. Theres a couple of steps where you'll need to get creative but not difficult at all. good luck. Post up if you need a hand. __________________ 1988 M3 - Henna/black on black alcantara 2012 Ducati 848 Evo Corse

Wed, Aug-06-2008, 08:59:05 PM	#5
darkcrash21 ///Mike Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 992 Reputation: 0 Location: Los Angeles, CA	Now the half shaft seals are what? hahaha There are 3 shafts from what i know, input shaft from the drive shaft, the passenger and driver side shafts for the wheels. Correct? __________________ 2002 ///M3 Carbon Black / CF interior VF-Engineering Stage 2 ● Tial Q BOV ● Okada Projects ● AEM Water/Meth ● Stoptech BBK ST60/ST40 ● HPF Stage 1 Feramic Clutch ● HPF/Walbro Fuel Pump ● Mason Engineering F/R Strut Bar and Clutch Pedal ● Ground Control SuperStreet Double Adj Coilovers w/ Hyperco 600F/700R ● Treehouse FCAB ● UUC Rear Lower Control Arms ● Eibach F/R Adj Sway Bars ● Agency Power Headers ● CPI section 1 w/ 400cell cats ● RE X-pipe with EVC ● RE El Diablo Ti ● Platte Forme AG Rear Subframe Reinforcement ● lots and lots of other crap...

Mon, Aug-11-2008, 11:43:51 PM	#6
JeST Old Skool Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 6,382 Reputation: 0 Location: Zoo York	correct __________________ 1988 M3 - Henna/black on black alcantara 2012 Ducati 848 Evo Corse

Wed, Aug-13-2008, 09:22:53 PM	#7
bimmer777 I drive an AWD Turdbro Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 2,237 Reputation: 0 Location: NYC	Do you have a DYI for the input drive shaft? I will be replacing the seal soon.

Wed, Aug-13-2008, 11:06:08 PM	#8
JeST Old Skool Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 6,382 Reputation: 0 Location: Zoo York	Getting to the seal is different. Remove exhaust, and driveshaft but replacing the seal is the same concept. __________________ 1988 M3 - Henna/black on black alcantara 2012 Ducati 848 Evo Corse

Thu, Aug-14-2008, 12:43:03 AM	#9
bimmer777 I drive an AWD Turdbro Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 2,237 Reputation: 0 Location: NYC	No need to drop the diff?

Thu, Aug-14-2008, 02:13:32 AM	#10
JeST Old Skool Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 6,382 Reputation: 0 Location: Zoo York	Not unless you plan on changing out the ring and pinion to something more aggressive. __________________ 1988 M3 - Henna/black on black alcantara 2012 Ducati 848 Evo Corse

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