Rear diff seal replacemnet...couple questions.

[Lodogg2221]

Hi all. I have an 05 Explorer with 72k. Noticed a spot in the driveway yesterday, and that the fluid there smelled like diff fluid.
Looked, and sure enough, my passenger side seal is leaking.

I cant afford to take it to the dealer right now, as Im laid off. So Ill be trying to tackle this one on my own. I am very mechanically inclined, and even if I wasnt laid off would probably still seriously consider doing it myself...

I did a search and came up with a number of threads about changing these seals, but a couple things Id like to know before I get into it:

Clips were mentioned that hold the CV shaft in place in the diff. Yes or no? Do I need to take the cover off too for this repair to get at whatever may be holding it in?
Specifically this:
"NOTE: A circlip retains the inboard CV joint housing to the differential side gear in the axle.
Using the special tools, disengage the inboard CV joint housing from the differential side gear. "

Do I need a special tool? Is it something I can make if I do?

I saw a nice write up with lots of pictures that showed the shafts out. Didnt look like that person took the cover off.


Again, just want to clarify before I tear into it.

Also, any suggestions/tips appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[Beachguy910]

I just removed the rear axles on my 02 2WD explorer and I think yours is the same or similar. You don't need to remove the diff cover. There is a special tool to pry out the axles from the diff but I didn't have one. They will pop out if you can get two prybars on it or put a piece of wood on it and hit it pretty hard with a hammer. The circ clips in a detent are the only things holding them in place but it takes a goot\d hit to pop them out. I went to the dealer to get new circ clips but they didn't have any so I reinstalled my axles with the old circ clips in place. But if you can get new ones you should. It looks daunting but it really is an easy job and very rewarding to save the bucks you would need to get it done.