Axle Seal - Front

Replace the front axle shaft seal to prevent transmission fluid leaks from the differential where the CV axle enters the transaxle housing.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front axle shaft seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut × 1 — Use OEM specification - single use fastener
• New cotter pin or staking hardware × 1 — Per axle nut specification

Fluids

• ACDelco Dexron VI ATF — 1.5 qt

Preparation

1. Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and wait 2 minutes
2. Verify high-voltage system is disabled per manufacturer service procedures
3. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer lift points
4. Remove front wheel on affected side
5. Place drain pan under transaxle area where axle enters differential

Procedure

1. 1

   Break axle nut loose
   With vehicle still on ground and wheel installed, or with helper applying brakes, use breaker bar and 32mm socket to break the front axle nut loose. Do not remove completely yet. This nut is torqued to 250 Nm and will be very tight.
2. 2

   Remove wheel and complete axle nut removal
   With vehicle raised and supported, remove wheel lug nuts and wheel. Remove the axle nut completely and discard it (it must be replaced with a new one). Remove and discard cotter pin or staking hardware.
3. 3

   Disconnect outer CV joint from hub
   Support the axle shaft and carefully pull the hub assembly outward to separate the outer CV joint splines from the wheel hub. If stuck, use a brass drift to tap the end of the axle shaft through the hub. Do not damage ABS sensor or brake components.
4. 4

   Remove inner CV joint from transaxle
   Position drain pan directly under the inner CV joint area. Using a pry bar between the inner CV joint housing and transaxle case, carefully pry the axle shaft assembly out of the differential. Be prepared for immediate fluid drainage. Use a rocking motion if necessary. Protect transaxle housing from damage with shop towels at pry points.
   ⚠Transmission fluid will begin draining immediately - ensure drain pan is positioned correctly
5. 5

   Remove axle shaft assembly
   Once inner CV joint is free from differential, remove entire axle shaft assembly from vehicle. Allow residual fluid to drain into pan. Plug the differential opening with a clean shop towel or appropriate plug to minimize additional fluid loss.
6. 6

   Remove old axle seal
   Remove the plug/towel from differential opening. Using a seal removal tool or appropriate pry bar, carefully extract the old axle seal from the transaxle housing. Work around the seal perimeter to avoid damaging the bore. Inspect bore for damage, burrs, or corrosion.
7. 7

   Clean seal bore
   Thoroughly clean the seal bore in the transaxle housing using a wire brush and clean shop towels. Remove all old seal material, debris, and corrosion. Inspect for scoring or damage that could cause the new seal to leak. The bore must be completely clean and smooth.
8. 8

   Install new axle seal
   Lightly coat the outer diameter of the new seal with clean transmission fluid. Position the seal squarely in the bore with the seal lip facing inward toward the transmission. Using a seal driver or appropriate diameter socket that contacts only the outer edge of the seal, drive the seal into the bore until fully seated and flush with the housing face. Tap evenly around the perimeter to ensure square installation.
   ⚠Do not strike the seal center - only drive on the outer edge to prevent seal damage
9. 9

   Prepare axle shaft for installation
   Inspect the axle shaft seal surface for wear, grooves, or damage. Clean the splines and seal contact area thoroughly. Apply a thin coat of clean ATF to the seal contact surface and inner CV joint splines to ease installation and prevent seal damage during insertion.
10. 10

    Install axle shaft into transaxle
    Align the inner CV joint with the differential side gear splines. Push the axle shaft firmly into the transaxle until the retaining ring seats with an audible click. Verify the axle is fully seated by attempting to pull it back out - it should not withdraw. The CV joint must be completely engaged.
11. 11

    Install outer CV joint to hub
    Guide the outer CV joint splines into the wheel hub. Push the hub onto the axle shaft splines until fully seated. Install the new axle nut and thread it by hand to prevent cross-threading. Do not torque at this time.
12. 12

    Install wheel and lower vehicle partially
    Install wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower vehicle enough to prevent wheel rotation but keep weight off suspension. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Torque axle nut
    With vehicle weight preventing rotation, torque the new axle nut to 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) using a calibrated torque wrench. Install new cotter pin through castle nut or stake the nut collar into the axle shaft groove per manufacturer specification. Verify nut is properly secured.
    ⚠Axle nut must be torqued to exact specification and properly secured - this is a critical safety fastener
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Refill transmission fluid
    Locate the transaxle fill plug. Add ACDelco Dexron VI ATF through the fill port until fluid begins to drip from the fill hole at operating temperature, or per manufacturer fill procedure. Approximately 1-1.5 quarts will be needed to replace lost fluid. Verify proper fluid level per service manual procedure.

Reassembly

1. Lower vehicle completely to ground
2. Reconnect 12V battery negative terminal
3. Check for leaks around axle seal area before test drive
4. Verify transmission fluid level is correct after vehicle reaches operating temperature

Verification

• Start vehicle and verify no warning lights are present on instrument cluster
• Test drive vehicle and verify smooth operation with no vibration or clicking from CV joints
• Inspect axle seal area for any signs of fluid leakage immediately after test drive
• Recheck transmission fluid level when at operating temperature and adjust if necessary
• Verify axle nut cotter pin or staking is properly installed and secure

More procedures for this vehicle