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2003 Silverado Front seals

NV_K5

NV_K5

1/2 ton status
Joined
Jul 28, 2006
Posts
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Location
CC, NV
I have a 2003 Silverado w/IFS front diff. I have terrible leaks from the seals.

I was under the impression I needed to remove the diff to replace the seals (thinking semi-floating remove an internal pin type event) but after some research I think I need to leave the axle housing in the truck, remove the 1/2 shafts, beat the left side with a BFH, unbolt the right housing extension, BFH and whalla pop the axles out. Replace the seals and possibly the bearings and reassemble.

Anyone know for sure?
 
Yes it is very easy , pretty much just how you think it goes together. No C-clips on the tip of the axle, it uses cir-clips. Throw the old circlips away and get some new ones. The coolest part of the repair is that it all can be done without completely removing the CV shafts. IIRC the shocks have to be unbolted from the control arm as to gain enough clearance to get the stub out of the driverside . It may be easier to completely remove the Driver side CV shaft to get enough access to seal driver, but you dont have to.
 
So the seals replacement is pretty cut and dried. The hang up now is the bearing on the left is missing a few needles. So besides still being in the truck the housing has a retainer with a tab that needs to come out. So a simple seal replacement becomes another "might as well" jr. build.
 
The bearing on the left can only be replaced by tearing the whole diff apart on the inside I think its been a while since I have done one If you get a pic I can tell for sure.
 
The tab that you speak of , is it behind the bearing? if that is the tab you are talking about it is a carrier bearing adjuster lock tab and really shouldnt be messed with unless you have the unit apart and plan on replacing them at the same time as new bearings.
 
Grand - You're right it's only serviceable from the inside and the gears would have to be setup again. I talked to a local differential guy and for $150.00 he'll replace the bearing.

The bearing is missing 1/2 of one needle and one is missing altogether. If I had shortchanged this process I would skip the bearing replacement and just run with it, but so far I've turned the rotors, replaced the brakes with Napa Gold pads, rebuilt the calipers, replaced all four boots on the 1/2 shafts and after two trips to Napa got the correct seals. It seems foolish to skip the last day and $150 after all this effort but I really need my truck back.

My K5 as a daily driver is not only getting cold, but becoming less fun by the day.
 
Crap now you went and confused me. Are you saying a carrier bearing is missing half a needle? Its been a few months scince i had one of them open but IIRC you can not see the carrier bearings ,even with the axle stubs out. Are we sure its not the axle stub support bearing? Because that can easily be pulled by you in the driveway, A hook on the end of a slide hammer should do the trick. Also if i am mistaken and it is a carrier bearing- pull it all apart but leave the carrier bearing adjuster lock tabs alone, Replace the bearings,and races, lay down a little pattern paint and re-assemble. Think about the lock tabs like this:they were setup with spankin new bearings , the only time i would mess with the adjustment is if i was gonna put in a new ring and pinion set in it. For the most part they are fine to leave alone even in that situation. And a word to the wise, those tabs are very soft metal and are not ok to re-use(they are less than $2 last tiem i ordered from GM)
 
With the axle stub removed I can see the bearing clearly and potentially remove the bearing, its like this but smaller and Napa doesn't carry them.

cylindrical bearing.jpg
 
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I'm gonna explode.

IMAG0302.jpg
 
Took the whole damn thing out of the truck last night. Tried with a POS bearing puller from Harbor Freight to get the bearing out w/out removing the tab locked spanner nut thingy to no avail.

I'm taking it to a specialist - in the proverbial crate; this should be hilarious for them.
 
Yessir that is the shaft support bearing. Sorry to hear that puller didnt work out for you. You try to stick a few rags into the side gear and attempt to shatter the shell of the bearing and just pry her out?
Howd you like all that steering linkage in your way when you pulled it LOL?
I cant see anyone charging you any more than a minimum 1 hr labor for that. Id give ya a hand if you were any closer to my neck of the woods, but im guessing CC, NV is clark county NV. Good luck and dont let em put your weenie in a vise its easy if you have the right tool.
 
I appreciate the offer but take exception to the Clark County:shocked::shame:. Carson City. :D

I'm taking it now to my driveline / axle guy.
 
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