Axle Shaft Oil Seal Replacement Left Side

For Reference

How-To: axle seal replacement with pictures by SATURNFAN ShawnV

Tools Required

• SA91112T Axle Seal Protectors
• SA9113T Axle Seal Installer
• SA9132S Lower Control Arm Ball Stud Separator
• SA9133T Axle Seal Puller

Removal Procedure

1. Position the vehicle on the hoist.

Caution

Refer to Vehicle Lifting Caution in Cautions and Notices.

2. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
3. Remove the left front wheel.
Remove the left splash shield. Drain the transaxle fluid.



4. Remove the cotter pin from the lower ball joint and discard. Loosen the nut and back the nut off until the top of nut is even with the top of threads.





Notice

On ABS equipped vehicles, the outer CV joint has a speed sensor ring. Using the incorrect tool or procedure to separate the control arm from the knuckle can damage the ring, resulting in a loss of ABS operation.

Notice

Do not attempt to separate the joint using a wedge-type tool because seal may be damaged.

5. Separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle using SA9132S and remove the nut.





Notice

Be careful not to damage axle deflector ring.

6. Remove the left inner splash shield.
7. Separate the axle from the transaxle using a large screw driver or appropriate pry bar and tie-up the shaft with safety wire.




8. Remove the axle seal retainer snap ring.
9. Remove the axle seal using SA9133T .
10. Remove the seal by threading the puller through the steel portion of the seal body as close to the outside diameter as possible, right side shown, left side similar.

Installation Procedure

1. Clean the seal bore in the housing.
2. Apply a small bead of Loctite 515® Gasket Eliminator sealant P/N 21005993 or equivalent on the diameter of the seal that presses into the case bore.

Notice

Be careful not to damage axle deflector ring.

3. Install the axle seal using SA9113T , Driver Handle included. Place the seal on the tool and insert in the transaxle. Make sure to keep the seal lined up with the bore during installation.
4. Install the axle seal retainer, snap ring.





Notice

Use caution not to damage axle seal when intermediate shaft is installed into transaxle.

5. Install the SA91112T , indicated by the arrow, inside seal.
6. Install the axle into the transaxle.
7. After the splines clear the seal protector but before snapping the axle into place remove the seal protector tool.
8. Push axle all the way into transaxle.





Notice

Take care not to damage rubber boot when installing ball joint to knuckle.

9. Clean and lubricate the ball joint threads.
10. Position the ball joint into the steering knuckle.

Notice

Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.

11. Install the nut to the lower ball joint and torque.
Tighten

Tighten the lower ball joint-to-steering knuckle nut to 75 N·m (55 lb ft).

12. After torquing, if necessary, tighten the nut additionally to align the slot in the nut with the cotter pin hole in the ball joint, and install the new cotter pin and bend the ends.
13. Install the left splash shield.




14. Position the wheel onto the hub.
15. Install the wheel nuts and tighten in a crisscross pattern.
16. Repeat the tightening pattern to be sure the torque is correct.
Tighten

Tighten the wheel lug nuts to 140 N·m (103 lb ft).

Important

Clean and lubricate the fastener with Saturn Transaxle Fluid. Wipe off the excess fluid.

17. Install drain plug.
Tighten

Tighten the transaxle drain plug to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).

18. Fill the transaxle to the proper level using Saturn Transaxle Fluid. Verify the fluid level. Refer to Transmission Fluid Checking Procedure .
Fluid change only 3.8 L (4.0 qt). Fluid change with a new filter 4.0 L (4.2 qt).