Axle Seal - Rear

Remove and replace the rear axle shaft seal to correct fluid leaks at the differential housing where the axle shaft enters.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear axle shaft seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Differential cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake cleaner or degreaser × 1 — Generic

Fluids

• 75W-90 GL-5 with limited-slip additive — 3.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake.
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels.
3. Allow differential to cool if vehicle was recently operated.
4. Identify which side (left or right) has the leaking seal; this procedure addresses one side at a time.

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support vehicle
   Raise the rear of the vehicle using a floor jack at the rear differential housing or designated rear jacking point. Secure the vehicle on jack stands positioned under the rear frame rails at the manufacturer-designated lift points. Ensure the vehicle is stable before proceeding.
2. 2

   Remove rear wheel
   Remove the lug nuts from the wheel on the side with the leaking seal. Remove the wheel and set aside.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts142.4 Nm (105 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Drain differential fluid
   Position a drain pan underneath the differential cover. Remove all differential cover bolts and carefully pry the cover away from the housing using a pry bar at designated pry points (typically cast tabs). Allow all fluid to drain completely into the pan. Remove the cover and old gasket material.
   Torque spec

   Differential Cover Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove axle shaft C-clip
   Working through the differential cover opening, locate the pinion shaft lock bolt and remove it. Withdraw the pinion shaft from the differential case. Push the axle shaft inward toward the center of the differential to expose the C-clip that retains the axle shaft. Remove the C-clip from the inner end of the axle shaft using needle-nose pliers or a magnetic pick.
5. 5

   Remove axle shaft
   Carefully withdraw the axle shaft from the axle tube. The shaft should slide out with moderate effort once the C-clip is removed. If resistance is encountered, verify the C-clip was fully removed and the shaft is not binding on the seal. Set the axle shaft aside on a clean surface to prevent bearing damage.
6. 6

   Remove old axle seal
   Using a seal puller or seal removal pick, carefully extract the old axle seal from the axle tube bore. Work around the seal circumference to pry it out evenly, taking care not to damage the bore surface. If the seal is stubborn, a slide hammer with seal puller attachment can be used. Inspect the bore for scoring, burrs, or damage that could cause the new seal to leak.
7. 7

   Clean and inspect sealing surfaces
   Thoroughly clean the axle tube bore where the seal seats using brake cleaner and shop rags. Remove all old seal residue, dirt, and debris. Inspect the axle shaft sealing surface (the area that contacts the seal lip) for grooves, pitting, or roughness. Minor imperfections can be smoothed with fine emery cloth; deep grooves require axle shaft replacement. Clean the differential cover mating surface on the housing, removing all old gasket material with a gasket scraper or wire brush.
8. 8

   Install new axle seal
   Lightly coat the outer diameter of the new seal with differential fluid. Verify the seal orientation (spring-loaded lip must face inward toward the differential). Position the seal squarely in the axle tube bore. Using a seal driver or appropriately sized socket that contacts only the outer edge of the seal (never the center), drive the seal into the bore until it is flush with or slightly recessed from the tube end face. Tap evenly around the circumference to ensure the seal seats squarely.
9. 9

   Reinstall axle shaft
   Lightly lubricate the axle shaft sealing surface and bearing journals with clean differential fluid. Carefully guide the axle shaft into the axle tube, taking care not to damage the new seal lip. Slide the shaft in until the splines engage with the differential side gear. Push the shaft fully into the housing.
10. 10

    Install axle shaft C-clip
    Push the axle shaft inward and install the C-clip into the groove on the inner end of the axle shaft. Pull the axle shaft outward to verify the C-clip is fully seated and the shaft is retained. Reinstall the pinion shaft through the differential case and side gears, aligning the lock bolt hole. Install and tighten the pinion shaft lock bolt securely.
11. 11

    Install differential cover
    Install a new differential cover gasket on the housing (some applications use RTV sealant instead; verify for this platform). Position the cover on the housing and install all cover bolts finger-tight. Tighten the bolts in a crisscross pattern to the specified torque to ensure even gasket compression and prevent warpage.
    Torque spec

    Differential Cover Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Refill differential
    Locate the differential fill plug on the differential housing (verify exact location against Viper service documentation). Remove the fill plug. Add differential fluid of the OEM-specified grade and quantity (verify limited-slip additive requirement against Viper service documentation) through the fill hole until fluid begins to run out of the fill hole. The differential is full when fluid reaches the bottom of the fill hole threads. Reinstall the fill plug and tighten securely.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the wheel and install the lug nuts. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to the specified torque. Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle to the ground. Perform a final torque check on the lug nuts with the vehicle weight on the ground.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts142.4 Nm (105 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. If both rear axle seals are leaking, repeat the entire procedure for the opposite side.
2. Dispose of used differential fluid according to local environmental regulations.
3. Clean any spilled differential fluid from brake components, suspension parts, and the differential housing exterior.

Verification

• Start the vehicle and allow it to idle briefly, then drive the vehicle forward and backward several feet to circulate fluid through the differential.
• Inspect the area around the newly installed seal for any signs of fluid leakage immediately after the test drive.
• Re-inspect the seal area after 50-100 miles of driving to confirm no leakage has developed.
• Verify the differential fluid level at the fill plug after the test drive; top off if necessary.

More procedures for this vehicle