Thread: Front diff flange - should I replace this?

If you thought of replacing it with a "new only $40 " flange you'd be better off using the one you have as is, as the new one no doubt is Britpart, (or can't you say that word here)

As a general rule, if you can feel your finger nail catch when you scrape it across the seal surface, then it needs work. Either replace or sleeve it. A speedi sleeve will probably cost you more than the quoted $40 for a new flange. I was qoted $50 for a speedi sleeve a while back.

Cheers, Mick.

From the photos, the seal marks simply look like normal polishing of the shaft by the seal.

If you cannot feel anything, with a finger nail and/or you cant see anything with a 3x glass then it is probably OK. Alternatively lay the edge of a 6" rule across it [or the straight edge of a feeler gauge] (with you in the shade and look out into the sunlight) and if you can't see any deep groove it will be OK. Gitts seals can easily absorb a few thou.

RF

Off topic a little, just re read my post re Clubagreenie and it reads like I am having a go at you.
Sorry not intended at you personally, too late to edit the response.

Thanks guys, I ended up reusing it. There was nothing really I could feel with my nails and it looked just cosmetic. I did what Justin suggested and tried seating the seal in a different place, so it's a couple of mm out from where it was so should be running on a different part of the flange. No leaks yet in my 5km test drive, we'll see how it goes.