Differential oil seals (4WD models) — replacement
Pinion oil seal
Removal
1. Raise the rear of the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands. Block the front wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling. Place the transmission in Neutral with the parking brake off.
2. Mark the relationship of the driveshaft to
the pinion flange or coupling, then unbolt the driveshaft from the flange (see Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) sensor — replacement). Suspend the driveshaft with a piece of wire (don’t let it hang by the center support bearing).
3. Drain the differential oil (see Tune-up and routine maintenance).
4. Remove the electromagnetic couplingmounting fasteners. Using a plastic hammer, tap the coupling cover and remove the coupling from the differential.
5. Remove the linear solenoid retainingsnap-ring from the differential case, using a pair of expanding snap ring pliers.
6. Remove the 4WD linear solenoid fromthe yoke and discard the 0-ring.
7. Remove the yoke mounting fastenersand remove the yoke from the differential.
8. Remove the coupling conical spring washer, noting the direction the washer is facing and remove the coupling shim.
9. Carefully pry out the diaphragm oil sealwith a seal removal tool or a large screwdriver; make sure you don’t scratch the seal bore.
Installation
10. Lubricate the lips of the new seal and fill the space between the seal lips with wheel bearing grease.
11. Carefully install a new seal using a seal installer or large socket to a depth of 0.263 to 0.303 in (6.7 to 7.7 mm).
12. Install the coupling shim, and conical spring washer.
13. Install the yoke mounting fasteners and tighten the fasteners to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.
14. Install a new 0-ring onto the solenoid and install the solenoid and snap-ring.
15. The remainder of installation is the reverse of removal. Check the differential lubricant level and add some, if necessary, to bring it to the appropriate level (see Tune-up and routine maintenance).
Drive axle oil seals
16. Raise the rear of the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands. Block the front wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling. Place the transmission in Neutral with the parking brake off.
17. Remove the rear drive axle(s) (see On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system and Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)).
18. Carefully pry out the side gear shaft oil seal with a seal removal tool or a large screwdriver; make sure you don’t scratch the seal bore.
19. Carefully install a new seal using a seal installer or large socket to a depth of 0.263 to 0.303 in (6.7 to 7.7 mm).
20. Lubricate the lip of the new seal with multipurpose grease, then install the drive axle(s). Be careful not to damage the lip of the new seal.
21. Check the differential lubricant level and add some, if necessary, to bring it to the appropriate level (see Tune-up and routine maintenance).