D2 front diff question

[mattyg]

Hi,

The RTV seal around my front diff has failed and its leaking.
Looked at RAVE manual and it says to remove the diff that hubs and half shafts need to come out, fair enough.
My question is can i get enough movement in the diff, without removing these items, to apply a new bead of rtv?

Thanks

[redrovertdi]

NO, if you had enough movement your bearings would be stuffed

[mattyg]

Thanks mate. Makes sense. Never played with the diffs before, will be a great learning experience!!

[Graeme]

Have you checked that the nuts are tight?

[mattyg]

There were a couple of loose ones, but also a section of rtv visibly coming away.
What are the chances it is just the loose bolts - already dumped the oil... So either do up bolts and refills and check or just do the whole job and be done with it.

[Graeme]

I had a leaking one that stopped after the nuts were tightened. If you're only using mineral oil then there's not much cost (and very little work) in refilling to see if tightening the nuts does the trick.

[justinc]

What Graeme said, I tighten lots first to see if they continue to leak, some do, some don't. I would completely remove the diff centre for a reseal, the surfaces need to be very dry and free of oil for sealant to work.

On a D2 it is pretty easy actually, 4 bolts per side hold the hub assemblies, the brake caliper can even stay on if you disconnect the clip holding the brake line and the ABS sensor up in the engine compartment, you should get plenty of slack then if the vehicle is not at full axle droop when doing the job.


JC

[mattyg]

Thanks guys, will try tightening the bolts first and see how I go.

[Blknight.aus]

you dont even have to take it off of the front propshaft or drop it out. Its a bit fiddlier but saves dropping out the carrier completely


jack stand the front axle.
disconnect the ABS sensor wire
apply the brakes and prop the pedal on
disconnect the swivels
pull the wheels out (about 4 inches) and sit them in/on a pair of chocks
unbolt the diff carrier from the housing
pry it back till its just sitting on the ends of the studs
clean it all up with a scraper and solvent
apply the new goop
reverse steps 1-7