Thanks for checking out the video. Let me know if it's helpful. I did not have to completely remove my front differential to change the inner shaft seal.
this is pure genius!!! You should apply for a patent for this repair process. haha. I just poured in Titan Seal Repair - silicone polymer. I'll let you know if it fixes the seal from the inside out!!
Hi Kevin - if you watch this vid "Trailblazer Engine R&R" on the "realfixesrealfast" channel at 9 minutes they pull OFF that differential and you can see there is a silicone seal on the engine oil pan side also - not just the differential oil side. Or is that not a seal but just the aluminum molding that holds the differential inner shaft seal? Kind of weird - the oil has to be from the oil pan to go over that molding to the actual differential seal.
@@voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885 I just watched that video and see what you're talking about. It looks like some corrosion on the machined surface of the differential where it meets the oil pan, not a seal.
@@KevinNadeau OK thanks! So that differential seal is actually inside the oil pan with crankcase oil up against it - on the oil pan side of the differential seal "lip" that sticks out. Right? Sorry if I'm making too much out of this - I just figure there must be some oil pan oil up against that differential seal when the "inner side" is inside the oil pan.
I sold my 2wd Rainier a year+ ago, but I like to watch your videos to see how many miles you get from yours. I am rooting on 500,000 miles for your Envoy. Good luck.
Kevin I just posted this on a stop leak channel vid.. someone was asking me about the Titan Seal. I'm not sure - I found reviews on other websites. So that's what sold me - also the concept behind it of a flexible silicone polymer (and not silicate) and also I knew that other "stop leak" products for oil didn't work so well since they actually weaken the seals by expanding the seals. Also I knew I needed to fix silicone seals and not rubber. I talked to them on the phone and email - a few times. Yeah it was definitely a risk but amazingly it worked! I only used half a bottle on my front differential. I need to bring the rest inside - not sure if it would like the winter weather. haha. I had to first take out the front diff oil - and I didn't take out enough to put in the full bottle. Turns out the leak stopped!! All I know is I have no more oil dropping down onto the garage concrete. So that's good enough for me. I suppose some of it is from getting my oil changed and the workers just don't clean off the oil well since the filter is hard to get to.... But I definitely had a leak on the front diff inner seal and it's super hard to get to on this car. The whole engine has to be - the front differential goes through the oil pan - the whole front drive train. It's a huge pain. One DIYer on youtube figured out a secret way of getting at that inner seal but I'm sure the "standard" way would be done by a typical mechanic. Unless I convinced them to do it this way that the youtuber figured out. haha. I didn't want to have to do that.
I followed this exact process on an XUV equipped with the 4.2 I-6. Came out great- never would have attempted it without this video. Now I’m look in at doing it again on an XUV with the 5.3 V-8. Are there there any differences in the procedure?
Not sure about the procedure for a 5.3. I would imagine it's generally similar, but obviously your dealing with a V8 not an L6, so there will be some differences. Check your parts numbers too on the seals.
Hey great video. I’m in the process of installing my seal. Do the the teeth on the back of the seal have to fit in the groves when installing the new seal
A few things missing from the video. I couldn't get the intermediate shaft slid all the way in to the passenger side after loosening it from the dif. Did you have to disassemble the 4x4 disconnect on the passenger side to move the shaft over?
@@KevinNadeau thank you! Had I known about a week ago it came out I’d be more than a quarter of the way done. I’m trying to go in through the top but with the shaft still in!! I saw your video after I tried this way. Thanks again
I have TB 02 4WD. I need to change the differential seals I’ve found the drive side but not the passenger, is it the same seal for both sides, My question is. the driver side can fit in the passenger side???
My new seal measured a mm larger diameter than the one i pulled pulled out. And dang, i beat the hell out of the outter edge of the new seal during the install. Now im considering grabbing another and giving it another go before i put it back together. Definitely need a better punch to install it too. Did your new seal seem super tight and tough to hammer in? I had a real hard time pushing in the upper edge with the oil pan in the way.
Hey, I planned on a 2000 mile trip and replaced all front end parts trying to get rid of wobble at 60+ turns out my diff is no good. Do you think I can just remove the CV axles and run it till I can fix it properly after my trip?
I assume you're talking about the intermediate shaft that goes thru the diff. You have to remove the 4wd disconnect on the passanger side, then I used a long flat head screw driver to push it out from the driver side.
@@Wtfever.................. There is a clip on the drivers side of the shaft, so I tapped the screwdriver with a hammer. But you have to be careful not to scrape/damage the bearings in there. You can use a flashlight to see inside the diff so you know where to put the screwdriver.
I had to put 4wd bearing plate in my other trailblazer and the hub snapped flush with the pan! What a nightmare!!! Had to air chisel that sucker out ! As far as the half shaft goes the passenger side is threaded so you can grab a bolt with a washer run it in and use a pry bar it pops right out well mine did it’s about the only thing that came out easy lol I need to change the driver side outside seal now .. Did you replace that one also ? Need to find a part number I usually order through Amazon just wanna make sure I get the right one … Ps nice job bro!! All the problems I had with the passenger side well it almost became a 2wd! Lol But these are great in the snow!! It’s really the only time I drive the LS one 👍🏻
Kevin can you clarify this for me - does the engine oil do to that inner shaft seal since the differential is attached to the crankcase via that seal? Or is it just differential oil that is leaking out of that inner shaft seal?
@@KevinNadeau oops - I gotta put that silicone fluid into the differential then. haha. thanks. Ever heard of this Titan Seal stuff? I have other seals leaking also - so it should help that at least. thanks for that clarification.
@@KevinNadeau Kevin I can't believe it but all summer I had THREE oil leaks under the car. I put that Titan seal silicone polymer in - it kept leaking. I was about to give up. I did a couple long drives. I forgot about the stuff. Next thing I know - so far NO leaks!! It's totally crazy. I only used HALF the bottle for the Front Diff. fluid since I didn't remove enough Front Diff oil to replace the FULL Titan bottle - 8 ounces. Still that 4 ounces appeared to have repaired and rebuilt the Silicone!! Totally crazy. All I know is there's no oil dropping under the car anymore - and it's been that way for the past few trips I've driven.... the last time I had three oil drips all the way up to the previous oil change. So it's not like the oil is too dirty or something - especially if it's Front Diff oil. hmm.
So the prongs on tge seal dont match up because there are 12 slots on inner bearing and 14 prongs on the seal. So you just press it in until it cant go in anymore. The prongs get smashed which looks like tgey aren't needed since its just a seal/bearing. ??.
How did you put the intermediate shaft back in Great video man you helped me twist the axle down so I can replace the seal man it was a pain to do lol but it worked I should’ve videoed in detail the whole thing lol
Glad the video helped. I actually used a piece of threaded rod that I bought from Grainger. I forget the size bar, but the threads inside the intermediate shaft on the outboard side are the same size as the studs that hold the ECU to the side of the intake.
So you threated a piece of rod in the center of it and then you smacked it in? I’m in the middle of trying to put it in right now and I put the intermediate shaft through the oil pan and felt it notch in but it won’t go any further so if you could give me a tip on what I’m doing wrong that would be great thank you for all your help
@@Swainsgarage11 Yes, I just used the rod to hold the shaft steady. Dumb question - are you putting it in backwards? If I remember right, there is a c-clip on one end of the shaft, thats the end that goes towards the driver side.
@@Swainsgarage11 I don't remember having to put much force on it to seat it. Its sort of like the half shafts, you can "click them in" by hand. Or at least I can on my truck.
hi,love the videoz,have one where you change diff,got a grinding noice in front drivers seal.i took off old seal and was told by some one i gotta change whole thing,any thoughts.thx
I probably misspoke I'm not taking the differential out just trying to rotate it down to replace the inboard seal and was hoping the intermediate shaft wouldn't be in the way but after loosening it it doesn't seem like I can slide it back into the passenger side enough to rotate the differential down.
Nice truck BTW. Very clean underneath. You must not live where they use salt. Since you know those Envoys so well, do you know the answer as to the slight flickering of the lights & dash? Seems to be a common problem with these truck Can't believe there is no cure for this. It's not the Alternator BTW. If anyone knows the answer to this is you. Thanks, Andy
Thanks Andy. I'm in North Carolina and my truck doesn't see much salt. I'm not sure about the flickering, my lights don't seem to do that. My first thought is you may have a bad/loose ground somewhere. Disclosure - electrical work is not my forté 😁
More than necessary because I was filming along the way. But if i didn't have any distractions I would guess about 3-4 hours would be enough (I don't like to rush a job like this 😁)
well that sucked. 4 hours of trying to get it turned.we got it where i think we could have get the seal out, but never get the new one in. i think you got the lucky bounce. also if you do this job take the passenger side apart ,change the seal s ,but most important thing is to grease the roller bearing they dont use oil. mind where bad. if you are going to try this way, well good luck ,my truck is now 2 wheel drive till i change the motor
Also I’m doing this on a Buick rainier 2006 I cannot for the life of me get this differential to the position you have it at to put the seal in. Did you have to do any prying on the motor or some kinda trick?
@@Thepurpleguerrilla No prying or anything crazy. I just had to figure out the right position to move the diff. Took a little trial and error, but nothing special. You did remove the half shaft and propeller shaft right?
Yeah I did…I went ahead and took the drivers side motor mount out. Jacked the motor up and boom!!! the seal is facing straight down to the ground. I have a 2006 Buick rainier with the 5.3. Something’s got to be slightly different or I just couldn’t find that sweet spot. Either way this video saved me a ton of money. I was gonna take it to a shop until I found your video.
Yeah….ummm….wow….this shite is above my head! All I’m looking for is to make sure that I’m not forgetting something or what to look for when replacing my cv shafts on my trailblazer….wtf? I think I’m gonna put this pig back together clean it up and sell it lol….I can fix about anything but god damn! Chevy is an effing joke anymore
Thanks for checking out the video. Let me know if it's helpful. I did not have to completely remove my front differential to change the inner shaft seal.
this is pure genius!!! You should apply for a patent for this repair process. haha. I just poured in Titan Seal Repair - silicone polymer. I'll let you know if it fixes the seal from the inside out!!
Wouldn't the INner Shaft Seal leak be from the engine oil and not the differential oil? It's connected to the oil pan right?
Hi Kevin - if you watch this vid "Trailblazer Engine R&R" on the "realfixesrealfast" channel at 9 minutes they pull OFF that differential and you can see there is a silicone seal on the engine oil pan side also - not just the differential oil side. Or is that not a seal but just the aluminum molding that holds the differential inner shaft seal? Kind of weird - the oil has to be from the oil pan to go over that molding to the actual differential seal.
@@voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885 I just watched that video and see what you're talking about. It looks like some corrosion on the machined surface of the differential where it meets the oil pan, not a seal.
@@KevinNadeau OK thanks! So that differential seal is actually inside the oil pan with crankcase oil up against it - on the oil pan side of the differential seal "lip" that sticks out. Right? Sorry if I'm making too much out of this - I just figure there must be some oil pan oil up against that differential seal when the "inner side" is inside the oil pan.
Nice job Kevin, very helpful. You boldly took chances that paid off and created a great reference for the rest of us GMT360 diehards.
Thanks for the kind words. I hope this video helps others with the same problem, and saves them time & money too👍
Massive massive appreciation brother!!! Changing mine this coming weekend….sub’d
@@setunedouche 👍 good luck with the project
@ Thanks so much brotherman!!! Happy New Year!!! Come on 2025!!!! Gonna be a great year!!
@@setunedouche yes indeed!
I sold my 2wd Rainier a year+ ago, but I like to watch your videos to see how many miles you get from yours. I am rooting on 500,000 miles for your Envoy. Good luck.
Thanks for the support! I would love to see a half million miles😁
Kevin I just posted this on a stop leak channel vid.. someone was asking me about the Titan Seal. I'm not sure - I found reviews on other websites. So that's what sold me - also the concept behind it of a flexible silicone polymer (and not silicate) and also I knew that other "stop leak" products for oil didn't work so well since they actually weaken the seals by expanding the seals. Also I knew I needed to fix silicone seals and not rubber. I talked to them on the phone and email - a few times. Yeah it was definitely a risk but amazingly it worked! I only used half a bottle on my front differential. I need to bring the rest inside - not sure if it would like the winter weather. haha. I had to first take out the front diff oil - and I didn't take out enough to put in the full bottle. Turns out the leak stopped!! All I know is I have no more oil dropping down onto the garage concrete. So that's good enough for me. I suppose some of it is from getting my oil changed and the workers just don't clean off the oil well since the filter is hard to get to.... But I definitely had a leak on the front diff inner seal and it's super hard to get to on this car. The whole engine has to be - the front differential goes through the oil pan - the whole front drive train. It's a huge pain. One DIYer on youtube figured out a secret way of getting at that inner seal but I'm sure the "standard" way would be done by a typical mechanic. Unless I convinced them to do it this way that the youtuber figured out. haha. I didn't want to have to do that.
wow so cool, i was dreading this job so much, i was going to try this way, now i know it will work ,thank so much for this video.
👍
This video is gold man. Thank you!
Excellent! Just what I needed to know, have this to do on '04 TB. A+++
Thank you! Was very helpful!
👍
Hi Kevin great vídeo I made the same job thanks again.
Thank you! Glad it helped 👍
Absolutely awesome. Thanks for the tip
👍
Excellent video! I was dreading having to do this, your method is far less intimidating.
I followed this exact process on an XUV equipped with the 4.2 I-6. Came out great- never would have attempted it without this video.
Now I’m look in at doing it again on an XUV with the 5.3 V-8. Are there there any differences in the procedure?
Not sure about the procedure for a 5.3. I would imagine it's generally similar, but obviously your dealing with a V8 not an L6, so there will be some differences. Check your parts numbers too on the seals.
Hey great video. I’m in the process of installing my seal. Do the the teeth on the back of the seal have to fit in the groves when installing the new seal
I think some of them will align naturally, but if I remember correctly, the two patterns are (teeth on the seal and groves) do not match exactly.
A few things missing from the video. I couldn't get the intermediate shaft slid all the way in to the passenger side after loosening it from the dif. Did you have to disassemble the 4x4 disconnect on the passenger side to move the shaft over?
Yes, you'll have to get the disconnect off to take out the intermediate shaft.
@@KevinNadeau I don't think any video on rotating the differential explains that.
@@KevinNadeau thanks for answering the question.
Was wondering what seals you used for diff axle. I'm having a herd time finding them. I have 04 chevy tb ext
Do you mean the outboard side of the front differential?
Is the inner diameter of the seal for the inner side of the differential the same size of the outer side that goes in the cv axle?
If I remember right, they are two different part numbers
@@KevinNadeau #1 so you’re saying I have to take the seal out again😢
@@andreotchere6456 is it leaking?
@@KevinNadeau no sir
@@andreotchere6456 I’d let it roll them 😀
I use Napa seal, fit perfectly, one you have for passager side
How did you put the intermediate shaft back in? The one through the oil pan?
I used a small diameter rod threaded into the passenger side of the shaft to help push it in.
@@KevinNadeau thank you! Had I known about a week ago it came out I’d be more than a quarter of the way done. I’m trying to go in through the top but with the shaft still in!! I saw your video after I tried this way. Thanks again
I have TB 02 4WD. I need to change the differential seals I’ve found the drive side but not the passenger, is it the same seal for both sides, My question is. the driver side can fit in the passenger side???
Do you mean the outboard (wheel side) and inboard (oil pan side) of the differential?
Yes I guess,on the other side of the differential where the 4wd actuator goes connected . Thank you for the answer
My new seal measured a mm larger diameter than the one i pulled pulled out. And dang, i beat the hell out of the outter edge of the new seal during the install. Now im considering grabbing another and giving it another go before i put it back together. Definitely need a better punch to install it too. Did your new seal seem super tight and tough to hammer in? I had a real hard time pushing in the upper edge with the oil pan in the way.
@@CutThroat_Kid I don’t remember mine being that tough to install
Hey, I planned on a 2000 mile trip and replaced all front end parts trying to get rid of wobble at 60+ turns out my diff is no good. Do you think I can just remove the CV axles and run it till I can fix it properly after my trip?
That should be ok as a temporary fix. I’ve
How did you get the shaft outta the diff exactly?
I assume you're talking about the intermediate shaft that goes thru the diff. You have to remove the 4wd disconnect on the passanger side, then I used a long flat head screw driver to push it out from the driver side.
@@KevinNadeau Does it just slide out nothing holding it in no clips or anything?
@@Wtfever.................. There is a clip on the drivers side of the shaft, so I tapped the screwdriver with a hammer. But you have to be careful not to scrape/damage the bearings in there. You can use a flashlight to see inside the diff so you know where to put the screwdriver.
@@KevinNadeau thank you
@@KevinNadeau thank you
can you help me mate? seals are same for pass. end driver side?
I’m not sure, but would check on GM Parts Direct website
Hey Kevin, great video man. Thanks for the info. How much if you took it to a shop to do that job?
Thank you 👍 I have no clue what a shop would charge, but I’m sure it would be a pretty penny 😀
I had to put 4wd bearing plate in my other trailblazer and the hub snapped flush with the pan! What a nightmare!!!
Had to air chisel that sucker out !
As far as the half shaft goes the passenger side is threaded so you can grab a bolt with a washer run it in and use a pry bar it pops right out well mine did it’s about the only thing that came out easy lol
I need to change the driver side outside seal now ..
Did you replace that one also ?
Need to find a part number
I usually order through Amazon just wanna make sure I get the right one …
Ps nice job bro!! All the problems I had with the passenger side well it almost became a 2wd! Lol
But these are great in the snow!!
It’s really the only time I drive the LS one 👍🏻
Kevin can you clarify this for me - does the engine oil do to that inner shaft seal since the differential is attached to the crankcase via that seal? Or is it just differential oil that is leaking out of that inner shaft seal?
It's just the diff fluid. There is no way for the engine oil to come out of the pan where the diff bolts to it.
@@KevinNadeau oops - I gotta put that silicone fluid into the differential then. haha. thanks. Ever heard of this Titan Seal stuff? I have other seals leaking also - so it should help that at least. thanks for that clarification.
@@KevinNadeau Kevin I can't believe it but all summer I had THREE oil leaks under the car. I put that Titan seal silicone polymer in - it kept leaking. I was about to give up. I did a couple long drives. I forgot about the stuff. Next thing I know - so far NO leaks!! It's totally crazy. I only used HALF the bottle for the Front Diff. fluid since I didn't remove enough Front Diff oil to replace the FULL Titan bottle - 8 ounces. Still that 4 ounces appeared to have repaired and rebuilt the Silicone!! Totally crazy. All I know is there's no oil dropping under the car anymore - and it's been that way for the past few trips I've driven.... the last time I had three oil drips all the way up to the previous oil change. So it's not like the oil is too dirty or something - especially if it's Front Diff oil. hmm.
So the prongs on tge seal dont match up because there are 12 slots on inner bearing and 14 prongs on the seal. So you just press it in until it cant go in anymore. The prongs get smashed which looks like tgey aren't needed since its just a seal/bearing. ??.
That’s how I understand it works 👍
The seal in both side the same size and parts number?
Thanks very helpful video!
These are the GM #s for the seals I used.
Inboard (oil pan side) GM 1247-1617
Outboard (CV shaft side) GM 1925-7296
I can’t find the gm 1247-1617 it discontinued…
Do you have any idea for replacement?
710688 tikmen or national seal 710688 can be replaced?
@@avibuskila9823 Looks like Federal Mogul 710688 will work.
How did you put the intermediate shaft back in
Great video man you helped me twist the axle down so I can replace the seal man it was a pain to do lol but it worked I should’ve videoed in detail the whole thing lol
Did you have to smack the intermediate shaft back in with a hammer or did it just notch in?
Glad the video helped. I actually used a piece of threaded rod that I bought from Grainger. I forget the size bar, but the threads inside the intermediate shaft on the outboard side are the same size as the studs that hold the ECU to the side of the intake.
So you threated a piece of rod in the center of it and then you smacked it in? I’m in the middle of trying to put it in right now and I put the intermediate shaft through the oil pan and felt it notch in but it won’t go any further so if you could give me a tip on what I’m doing wrong that would be great thank you for all your help
@@Swainsgarage11 Yes, I just used the rod to hold the shaft steady. Dumb question - are you putting it in backwards? If I remember right, there is a c-clip on one end of the shaft, thats the end that goes towards the driver side.
@@Swainsgarage11 I don't remember having to put much force on it to seat it. Its sort of like the half shafts, you can "click them in" by hand. Or at least I can on my truck.
hi,love the videoz,have one where you change diff,got a grinding noice in front drivers seal.i took off old seal and was told by some one i gotta change whole thing,any thoughts.thx
mine came off easy-do you got a part number for that new seal,oh and if you can kindly tell me where to order from,id really appreciate that,thx
Is the seal supposed to be flush? I cannot get mine to get flush. Mine sticks out a little less than 1mm.
I probably misspoke I'm not taking the differential out just trying to rotate it down to replace the inboard seal and was hoping the intermediate shaft wouldn't be in the way but after loosening it it doesn't seem like I can slide it back into the passenger side enough to rotate the differential down.
I need help with my transmission bro
What's wrong with it? Not sure I can help much.
Nice truck BTW. Very clean underneath. You must not live where they use salt. Since you know those Envoys so well, do you know the answer as to the slight flickering of the lights & dash? Seems to be a common problem with these truck Can't believe there is no cure for this. It's not the Alternator BTW. If anyone knows the answer to this is you. Thanks, Andy
Thanks Andy. I'm in North Carolina and my truck doesn't see much salt. I'm not sure about the flickering, my lights don't seem to do that. My first thought is you may have a bad/loose ground somewhere. Disclosure - electrical work is not my forté 😁
Mine did this. Engine running rough at idle as well? Try replacing your secondary air check valve. Fixed my issue.
TY
👍
How many hours do you think you had in this job?
More than necessary because I was filming along the way. But if i didn't have any distractions I would guess about 3-4 hours would be enough (I don't like to rush a job like this 😁)
Hey body thanks can You give the part number of the seal please?
It’s in the description of the video 👍
I changed mine after 150000 miles, both side seals, and CV axles, they leak like oil pressure switch
👍
well that sucked. 4 hours of trying to get it turned.we got it where i think we could have get the seal out, but never get the new one in. i think you got the lucky bounce. also if you do this job take the passenger side apart ,change the seal s ,but most important thing is to grease the roller bearing they dont use oil. mind where bad. if you are going to try this way, well good luck ,my truck is now 2 wheel drive till i change the motor
What is that god awful noise at 8:49 and beyond in the background?
🤣 That was my 1 year old on the baby monitor
Also I’m doing this on a Buick rainier 2006 I cannot for the life of me get this differential to the position you have it at to put the seal in. Did you have to do any prying on the motor or some kinda trick?
@@Thepurpleguerrilla No prying or anything crazy. I just had to figure out the right position to move the diff. Took a little trial and error, but nothing special. You did remove the half shaft and propeller shaft right?
Yeah I did…I went ahead and took the drivers side motor mount out. Jacked the motor up and boom!!! the seal is facing straight down to the ground. I have a 2006 Buick rainier with the 5.3. Something’s got to be slightly different or I just couldn’t find that sweet spot. Either way this video saved me a ton of money. I was gonna take it to a shop until I found your video.
@@Thepurpleguerrilla Awesome! 👍 I'm glad to everything worked out for you!
Don't like this video at all
How could I make it better?
Less talking and not moving the camera as much show how it's done in a timely manner , I mean no bad things towards you thank you
@@ronniehall5787 I appreciate the feedback 👍
Yeah….ummm….wow….this shite is above my head! All I’m looking for is to make sure that I’m not forgetting something or what to look for when replacing my cv shafts on my trailblazer….wtf? I think I’m gonna put this pig back together clean it up and sell it lol….I can fix about anything but god damn! Chevy is an effing joke anymore