Gents,
I have a small oil leak on RH side of the differential which I would like to rectify. I have now got the correct factory diff. seals.
Looking at both under the car and at the drawings it seems that the O-ring and graphite seal can only be replaced by accessing thru the rear cover of the differential and by removing the axle nut from the inside!
Has anybody looked into this before and would like to share some first hand knowledge?

__________________
Cheers,

Bjoern

If you are talking about the output flange to which the 1/2 shaft is bolted, then not a big deal.
All you do is remove the 1/2 shaft from that flange. Once out of the way, remove the nuts holding the flange housing to the diff. Note on some of the cars I have worked on, these nuts have safety lock tabs on them, if so just bend the tab back to remove the nut. Once you have removed all the nuts, screw into the threaded holes in the flange, if I remember right a 8 mm bolt. Do this at least 180 degrees from each other. Going from side to side tighten the bolts. These bolts will force the flange out of the diff housing, you may get a diff lube bath doing this, cannot remember that. Once you have the flange out, you will note the large ring nut holding everything together. Once you remove that nut you are going to have to press the output shaft from the bearings, then you can clean everything and replace the seals.
Chadbourn Bolles
803 798 3044

Thanks Chad, yes I am talking about the output flange to the the 1/2 shaft.
Appreciate very much your detailed reply!
Is it necessary/normal to drain the diff oil if car is jacked up in the rear?

__________________
Cheers,

Bjoern

Usually I do this job on a work bench, so I do not see the oil. It would not hurt to drain the oil anyway, then replace it.
Chadbourn Bolles
803 798 3044

Ok Chad , thanks again for your kind help!

__________________
Cheers,

Bjoern

I have a few more questions:
Do I need to replace the above mentioned bearing after removing it?
Is this bearing eventually a stock item at any given good ball bearing stockist?
Can the output shaft and flange be put back into the diff without any special tools?

__________________
Cheers,

Bjoern

If you want, go ahead and replace the bearings, why not, you are there.
Bearing is only around $32.00 anyway.
There are no special tools required to reinstall the shaft.
The only special tool required is the one for the ring nut on the shaft.
Chadbourn Bolles
803 798 3044

1. Good Idea to replace.

2. Yes

3. yes

Only special tool needed is the one to R&I the ring nut. I made the tool.

Thanks again Chad for your very quick reply. Much appreciated.

__________________
Cheers,

Bjoern

Thanks to you Greg as well!

__________________
Cheers,

Bjoern