CV joint leaking oil

[ignis]

A couple weeks ago, I replaced all the front suspension components on my 2002 Ford Explorer. I couldn't find the right rental tool to remove the inner tie-rod, So, I popped the CV joints out so I could fit a pipe-wrench on the inner rie-rod which worked well. Now, it appears as though there is oil coming from where my front passenger CV joint meets the tranny.

Is there a seal on the end of the CV joint that probably now needs to be replaced?

 

[ignis]

Talked to my local auto parts store and the guy there said it's most likely a seal inside where the CV axle meets the tranny. Said most people usually replace these when they have the CV axle's out.

Hurray, I get to do the job again b/c I didn't do it right the first time!!! I bet it goes 10x quicker this time around.

 

[PopRichie77]

Be sure to not let the spline on the axle touch the new seal, the splines are sometimes sharp and they will cut the new seal, this is probably what happen the first time around.

 

[ignis]

I'll probably be getting to it this afternoon. Just for CV axle removal, what all needs disconnected? Last time, I took the whole knuckle off and I'd like to avoid that if I can.

Tie rod, control arms, etc...?

 

[drdoom]

Here is a popular CV Axle how-to thread from the 2G stickies:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=187964

 

[gavin]

FWIW, I've always had some gear fluid leakage from both the dri and pass side of the front axle housing.
and this is across 2 different housings, both of which even got new seals.

 

[ignis]

Well, didn't quite get to the front yet. Still wrestling with my rears.

BTW, since I'm pulling the CV shaft out again anyhow and it's got 150k miles on it, should I just go ahead and replace the thing?

 

[ignis]

Okay, got the front axle out and will pick-up a replacement CV shaft tomorrow morning. I was surprised that I had to remove the spring/strut assemble to get the half-shaft out. My Haynes manual doesn't say anything about it, but it was sure in the way and came out nicely once I removed it.

Was intending to put the new seal on tonight, but the one they gave me at the parts store was much smaller than my original seal. So, I'll have to hope they have one of those tomorrow when I go back.

 

[gavin]

Driver's Side Front Axle Shaft:

• Seal (Viton) - Timken 710429 (OEM Spicer 46065)
• Bearing - Timken 5707 (OEM Spicer 566121)

Passenger's Side Front Axle Shaft:

• Seal (Viton) - Timken 710428 (OEM Spicer 46066)
• Bearing - Timken/Torrington B-268 (S268) (OEM Spicer 566063)

to make sure you get the right one, here are the OEM Spicer and Timken part numbers.

 

[ignis]

Driver's Side Front Axle Shaft:

• Seal (Viton) - Timken 710429 (OEM Spicer 46065)
• Bearing - Timken 5707 (OEM Spicer 566121)

Passenger's Side Front Axle Shaft:

• Seal (Viton) - Timken 710428 (OEM Spicer 46066)
• Bearing - Timken/Torrington B-268 (S268) (OEM Spicer 566063)

to make sure you get the right one, here are the OEM Spicer and Timken part numbers.

Thanks for the reply. I just went straight to Ford and they had the right one for surprisingly the same cost as the autoparts store.