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Hello all, I noticed a leak on my front differential on my awd 08 Lexus is250 that I recently picked up. I replaced the axle on the driver's side, but the leak is still there. I believe it is the front axle seal, but I can't find any information about replacing it. Does it require dropping the front differential to make the repair? Thanks in advance for the information
Hello all, I noticed a leak on my front differential on my awd 08 Lexus is250 that I recently picked up. I replaced the axle on the driver's side, but the leak is still there. I believe it is the front axle seal, but I can't find any information about replacing it. Does it require dropping the front differential to make the repair? Thanks in advance for the information
At the engine oil pan or actual differential seal? There is no way to replace that without pulling the diff. Seal is top left.
The seal is behind the front differential. As for the article its point of reference is facing the engine from the outside. At least to what it seems to me. So that being said the passenger side would be the easiest. Then the driver side where front differential is mounted would be the PIA inner seal to access.
Thanks for the reply. While replacing the driver front cv axle it is evident the seal at the differential is shot. I wasn’t able to pull it out easily despite being able to see it. I’m just not sure if it’s possible to pull the gasket without pulling the differential. Is there a specialty tool to pull it or does it get replaced from inside the differential?
Thanks for the reply. While replacing the driver front cv axle it is evident the seal at the differential is shot. I wasn’t able to pull it out easily despite being able to see it. I’m just not sure if it’s possible to pull the gasket without pulling the differential. Is there a specialty tool to pull it or does it get replaced from inside the differential?
You're going to need to source a seal puller. See link below find a cheap one online. Also search on an installation tool as well. Why risk the install hammering it in.
Okay, so the seal can be removed without dropping the differential?
Ok so I reread the article: It seems I misinterpreted the view. So basically they're saying sitting in the driver seat looking out. Which they reference the outer seal is easy to do, but the inner would need front differential dropped to access the seal. Though yes the outer seal should be able to be removed from the outside.
See photos below for reference. I would contact the post on the email link to verify. QUOTE from article:
Beginning in the 2006 model year, Lexus introduced the GR series of engine to the IS250, IS350, GS300 and GS350, some available with all wheel drive (AWD) initially and others adding the option later. With the introduction of AWD to these models came a not uncommon issue – a leak from the inner front differential seal.The front differential takes power from the transfer case (on the back of the transmission) and splits it to both front wheels. The left/driver’s front wheel is powered by an axle directly connected to the differential, while the right front wheel has an extended length intermediate shaft/axle combo that passes through the oil pan to transmit power to the right front wheel.
While the left front axle has a relatively easy seal to access if it fails (remove axle, replace seal, install axle), the right side of the differential is bolted to the side of the engine, and the seal cannot be accessed unless the differential is removed from the engine.
Thanks for the replies. I went ahead and emailed him.
There are several ways to pull a seal.
1) drill a small hole close to the edge, thread a screw in, a short blunt one, with a claw on slide hammer, grab the bolt head and pop it out.
2) a bushing cutter and hammer. Basically cut the side out and it collapses. Pulls out very easy.
3) pry it out with large pry bar.
4) seal puller and hammer. Its Basically a hook with a handle, a hammer is driving force.
To install, you need a hammer and bearing/seal driver. When I installed my limited slip differential (LSD), I had to make a spacer to protect the seal as it has a lip on that makes needed protection so I made that out of some flooring material.
Because my biggest driver wasn't big enough, I used a smaller one and a bearing race. You will be at a disadvantage working in hole. I suggest you plan this carefully before you touch that seal as there is no turning back.
Any chance you have a picture with the axle out? I ask as I don't see a couple of removal options working for you. Also, how bad does it leak? Is it leaking worse after axle install? If yes, you may have knocked the tensioner spring off the seal during axle swap.
04-05-24, 03:44 PM
Front Differential Leak
