Replacing front diff seal (the one near the hub)

This site contains affiliate links for which LandyZone may be compensated if you make a purchase.
98418665

98418665

New Member
Posts
127
Hi all,

I have an 04 D2 / V8, and after replacing the cv boot, I thought I'd do the diff seal as well while everything was out.

Anyone know if it can be done without having to drain the diff oil? (One side up on the jack stand)

Also, what do you use as a drive to push the new seal back in?

Thanks.
 
Last edited:
thats not a diff seal ,yes jack it up on one side oil sits about level tube so doesnt need to be really high,google ftc4822 for front drive shaft seal
 
My mistake - its called an axel - driveshaft seal(?)

Ok thanks. On my way home now and will pick up the part and fit it tomorrow.

Are the aftermarket ones ok or just go with a LR one?
 
Last edited:
Got an original seal, as the other after market one didn't look as good. I tried to get the old one out then realised I needed a seal removal tool. So drove to the auto parts shop and picked up a simple 'pick' that looked like it would do the job.

The old one came out easy enough, and looks like it was fitted back the front! I hope so because I fitted the new one the other way round (see pic below)

I also found a scratch / shallow gouge on the surface that the seal fits against. Could have been from my handywork with the pick, or maybe it was there already....(?)

I didn't have a big enough socket to use as a drive, so tapped it in with the cutoff end of a broom handle. I left a bit of a dent in the process, on the lower edge, but hopefully it will still be ok. After pushing in to what felt like it was home, it still sits slightly proud - is that correct?

The other big lesson I learnt was how to refit the damn driveshaft. Struggled with this for a while, trying to angle it upward by pushing down on the cv joint. What worked in the end was reaching in and grabbing the driveshaft itself to 'lift' it into the correct position.

So the big questions now are, did I fit the seal the right way round, and will the gouge or dent on the metal face stop it from sealing properly?

ejuqu9uh.jpg
 
Last edited:
Google came to the rescue and I've found a few more posts suggesting oil seals should be fitted with the lip / spring side facing in toward the oil - (or flat face outward).

Someone please tell me I don't have to do it all again.... :eek:

FRC8220 Pinion oil seal, which way round should it go???

Front Driveshaft oil seals

Anyway, I'll go do some driving with it and see if it leaks...

Got some new Bistein shocks on the way so that's the next job to do when I've got a day off work.
 
I replaced the rear shocks today with Bilsteins, and the old ones were totally stuffed. Both sides would not expand at all after compressing by hand.

While looking under the car I noticed the new axel seal is leaking again.... :(

I think either it wasn't driven in straight or got damaged by me in the process, so I'll get another one and try again.

Before I try for the second time, can anyone confirm the direction I fitted the first one (see pic above) was correct? I couldn't bring myself to have to re-do the same job a third time.

Thanks.
 
Last edited:
98418665 said:
Ok. I was reading up here Land Rover Owner • View topic - Hub/axle seals - which way round and they were suggesting to fit seals with the solid face facing out(?)

It's the first and only seal I've ever done, so I have no idea really, and Rave doesn't seem to provide any details as to which way round.
Click to expand...

That's "correct solid face facing out" I wonder how u installed the replacement with the lip being the surface used to tap the seal in.

RAVE is intended for people with automotive knowledge already, who don't need to be told what way a standard oil seal has to face, that is why the likes of Haynes DIY manuals exist with pictures.
 
Ok great thanks. Solid side out was how it was installed - just not done properly the first time..

I'll grab one more and give it another try.

It also looks like I've got a leaking seal on one side at the rear, so I'll have a go at that once I'm sure the front has been done properly.

And I'll be doing the front shocks today before a trip to the desert on the weekend.
 
Last edited:
just done my suspension ball joints. so thought i would replace the driveshaft seals too. my originals and the new ones i have fitted are the opposite to what you have. i.e. metal side in and lip facing out.
SO. have i fitted them the wrong way round?:confused:
after looking again at your pic on post 4. i would have thought the metal bit showing and the fact the spring and sealing lip is on the outside means they are open to the elements. surely better on the inside being protected.
 
Last edited:
On my pic, the lip is not visible, it's on the other side facing in (toward the oil). The spring is inside the lip.
 
A busy day today. Front and rear shocks, and the steering damper replaced. Also did the windscreen washer pump, which it it turned out wasn't needed anyway (fu$#in pipe blocked at one of the joiners..). At least it squirts a bit stronger now.

Still on the list are 2 more axel seals, coolant flush and thermostat, and fix the clicking steering wheel.
 
according to the haynes manual. and i quote `position the new seal with the metal part of the seal facing inwards, then drive it into position with a suitably-sized tubular spacer. note that the seal must be fitted dry.`
hope that makes it clear:)
 
the outside diameter of the seal is approx 65mm. i used a 48mm socket. the sealing lip is approx 35mm. i would not use a drift on that part of the seal. the seals i have are possibly different to yours:confused:
effectively. i put them in as they came out and they were not leaking. for the sake of a £3 seal, i thought it worth doing.:)
 
Make sure the axle breather pipes are clear and you're not getting a build up of pressure forcing the oil past the seals.
Griff
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

mad85
Disco 2 Front hub/axle seal leaking
Replies
19
Views
2K
mad85
mad85
H
TD5 discovery series 2 engine problem
Replies
2
Views
433
Stanleysteamer
Stanleysteamer
Whatisthatmetric
Disco 1 D1 v8 Emissions, No ECU diag, and other mysteries
Replies
19
Views
1K
AllanWorms
AllanWorms
dvb668w
Series 3 One Shot swivel grease in the Diff... good or bad?
Replies
3
Views
999
tottot
tottot
G
Land Rover 300tdi clutch not disengaging after engine out
Replies
8
Views
6K
miktdish
miktdish
Back
Top