RX7Ratty

Hey



I need i think i need some as when i looked at my rear diff the other day when it was on the ramps the whole of the diff and the axels were covered in oil. i've been looking for quite a while but i can't seem to find any anywhere if you can help would be much appreciated.



Thanks

Signal 2

I wrote up a little "how-to" a few years ago on another forum. I just copied and pasted but maybe it will help, or at least give you an idea............



I noticed the side seal on the left side of the differential had started to leak. At first it was just sweating alittle. Hardly noticable. But it didn't take long for it to start leaving a small quarter size puddle under the car whenever it was parked for any time. Doing a search I only found a couple of short threads and was a little apprehensive about starting this job, but it ended up going pretty smooth. Anyway, for you veterans wrenchers out there, this won't be any big deal. But on the chance there are others out there with a leaking diff who might benefit, I thought I post up some pics.





^A before picture. Started out as just a little weeping that I noticed one day while changing oil. About 6 months later.........I had this.



While reading some other threads it was speculated that removing only the lower mounting points of the suspension would allow the hub to swing up and away enough to remove the axle from the diff. I can confirm this is true. In addition to the, toe-link, trailing arm and inner 'I' arm bolt at the upright, I removed the ABS sensor and emergency brake cable. None of which took very long. And I did NOT have to disconnect the brake line....so no need to bleed brakes or re-alignments. Worked like a charm.



One nice pop with the pry-bar and it comes right out.



Oil seal and new seal with PART NUMBER. IIRC ~$4 each. Cheap.



^Picture of the new seal installed. Two things I noticed here...

1. I didn't see a "seat" for the seal, so if you not careful, it will go too far into the diff casing, which would not be a good thing.

2. I didn't have a seal installer, so I used the old seal on top of the new one and gently tapped it in gradually, until the edge of the seal was flush with the diff casing.

I then just reinstalled the axle per FSM instructions, which is to keep the retaining clip at the 12:00 o'clock position going back in, and being careful not to allow the clip to puncture or abraid the new seal. Then just reinstalled the suspension stuff, topped off the fluid which ended up only being about 1/2 cup. I then used some degreaser on a rag followed by some soap and water to clean up the diff thoroughly and I was through.

Signal 2

A couple of other things.....

*If both of your axles are leaking, remove only ONE half-shaft/axle at a time. Leave the other axle in place.

*Once you pop the half-shaft/axle from the differential, try NOT to rotate the wheels or drive-shaft. I think it makes re-installing a little easier.

thatpoorguy

that's a damn good write up man.

Signal 2

lol, not sure how RX7Ratty liked it, but thanks Poorguy.



I guess the original reason I did that write-up was because when I first discovered the leak, I thought "crap!" "this is going to be the job from hell". Instead it took me all of a couple of hours (that's two beers and a cigar) and it was done.

RX7Ratty

Thanks signal 2 ive been looking everywhere trying to find the part number but had no luck did you buy the seals direct from mazda or a different company?

Signal 2

I got them directly from MALLOY MAZDA here in the States. Any MAZDA dealer should be able to get them, I'd bet the same seals are used on other other models. Again, surprisingly, they weren't much.