Replacing diff-drive shaft oil seal '95 Astra

Discussion in 'Astra' started by Roger R, Mar 17, 2005.

  1. Roger R

    Roger R Guest

    My '95 Astra hatch has a slight leak on the near side (LHS) diff/drive shaft
    oil seal, causing that area of the casing to become black with dirt. I
    have the strut and lower arm out for other work and am thinking of replacing
    the seal.

    The Haynes manual says the near side shaft can be difficult to get out, and
    with the engine in the car and up on jacks access is quite limited. I
    tried a half hearted attempt at removing it but it does seem to require some
    force to overcome the snap ring.

    I don't want to start a job that can't be completed insitu. Can it be done
    with the car in this position?

    Any recommendations how to go about releasing the drive shaft and refitting
    it?

    Roger
     
    Roger R, Mar 17, 2005
    #1
  2. Roger R

    me140 Guest

    Be more brutal - the shaft will come out - hit the inner joint in an
    outwards direction with a BLUNT chisel. Don't split the boot. The seal
    will just lever out - take care not to damage the casing. Look how far the
    old one is in before you take it out so you know how far to put the new one
    in. Use a seal installer if pos so you don't damage the new seal - if not
    put the old one over the new one and hit that - room is tight. Don't forget
    to top up your box oil.
     
    me140, Mar 17, 2005
    #2
  3. Roger R

    Mike Guest

    I'd also advise draining the oil, before you have it dumped in your lap when
    you remove the shaft. WTH, a change of oil in the box wont hurt

    Mike
     
    Mike, Mar 17, 2005
    #3
  4. Roger R

    Roger R Guest

    Thanks for the replies.

    Drained the oil first by removing the sump as recommended.

    In the event used a pair of tyre levers, one over each of the pair of raised
    lands on the casing and levered against the inner edge of the driveshaft.
    A sharp tug on the levers and it was out.

    The oil seal however doesn't want to budge.

    Just to check the old one was fitted the correct way round...the black
    rubber side faces outwards, metal side with spring collar on the inside.

    Roger
     
    Roger R, Mar 19, 2005
    #4
  5. Roger R

    Guest Guest

    That's the right way round. They can be a complete B**ch to remove.
    Whatever you do don't damage the casing. Usually a matter of levering
    them out. Tyre levers sound good. But (to repeat my self) don't damage
    the casing. By the way the gear oil and engine oil are separate.
    Removing the sump won't drain the gearbox oil. *Check the level
    afterwards* (See Haynes manual).
    Dave
     
    Guest, Mar 20, 2005
    #5
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