Trans Axle Seal for 2003 Trail Blazer

How do take the Trans Axle apart to install a new seal on the Trans Axle on a 2003 Trail Blazer?

 

The transmission in your Trail Blazer is a 4L60-E, this is not a transaxle. I can only assume you are reffering to the transfer case or possible a differential seal? What seal is leaking? Where is this part located between the tires? If so it would be a differential. Is it in the middle of the vehicle possibly with two driveshafts connected to it? If so this is a transfer case.If you can provide more details we may be able to help you. PLease provide as much information as you can.

Jeff

 

Thank you for your reply Jeff. Yes the shaft goes through the transfer case(front). There are seals on both sides. I had to take it to the Dealer to have it repaired as the leaking became more severe (left side). The Trail Blazer is repaired (both seals replaced) at the Dealer, but I am waiting for a response from Chevrolet if they will cover part of the cost. The leak started around 46,000 miles. Even though it is repaired, have you ever replaced the seals? If so, how long did it take you?

Thanks again.

Tom

 

Hi Tom,

The parts and labor book shows the time to replace this seal is
.8 tenths of an hour (48 minutes). The driveshaft has to be removed. Yes I have replaced these seals and the part itself is kind of pricey, I think around $50.00 or there abouts.

Jeff

 

Thanks for your help Jeff. The Dealer charged around 7.75 hours for the job. I wrote a letter to Chevrolet hoping to recoup part of the money. I will let you know how it comes out.

Thanks again,

Tom

 

Hi, The right axle actually runs through the oil pan...not a lotta fun...you probably had the axle seals replaced and it is definitly more than a .8hr job - I am a gm tech and could get you the correct time, but 7.75hr does not sound unreasonable...

...if the leak continues there's actually a gm bulletin for this concern for a fix...

hope it all worked out...

 

Thanks. The Dealer did replace both seals. When the Dealer first discovered it a month ago, he said there was another Trail Blazer with the same problem. I did file a claim with Chevrolet on it. I hope to receive half of the cost back. Since you mentioned there is a GM bulletin for it. (It does not leak now).

 

Hi Tom,

I am still a bit confused and it sounds like clarification is needed. The Differentials (a four wheel drive vehicle has two) are located at the front and the rear of the vehicle. They will be in between the tires. If this is what was repaired then we are not talking about a transfer case as this would be mounted behind the transmission (it transfer power to both differentials through a driveshaft) it is mounted in the actual center of the vehicle with a driveshaft going from the center of the vehicle (transfer case) to the front differential and one to the rear differential. If this is the case then yes it would take considerable more time to fix the differential axle seals. It is hard to be specific unless we can know for sure which parts are involved. If we are talking about the seals in the front differential this is not a new problem I have fixed many of these over the years including my own 1991 plow truck.
I suspect the charges are appropriate for the needed repairs (I used to work for a GM dealer that was extremely fair with their customers in my opinion) but unless we can be for sure about wheather or not it is the transfer case or differentials we are at a loss. I am sorry for any confusion in the clarification of this matter.
Jeff

 

Hi Jeff,

Thank you for your reply. The Dealer called it the Differential. The shaft went through the front casing. They replaced the left and right seal. Each part was around $11.00 each. The fluid was a gray color (and boy did it stink). I believe the shaft went through the casing and connected to both front wheels. I think I have it right.

Tom

 

Hi Tom,

I am glad things are taken care of and all is well with you vehicle.

Jeff

 

Thanks Jeff. I wrote a letter to Chevrolet, and they reimbursed me for the whole repair.

Tom

 

While on the subject I have an 02 TrailBlazer with a leaking rear differential seal. How hard are these to replace, does the back cover have to come off?

Also has anyone heard of any problems with the front differential in the trailblazers? Mine sounds like a dragging sound when you get over 30 but you don't really feel it as far as it affecting the speed or handling. I have felt a little pull when you step in it but I think that is just the allignment. The motor and tranny are not affected but I know something bad is going on in the front end or possibly the transfer case. Would a bad axle have that affect? It sounds to me like a bearing or something internal in the casing, its not leaking anywhere and its not a grinding sound. Is what I probably need to do is check the oil in it, anyone know what the oil should look like. I see one guy said his was gray and smelled bad, mine should still have the factory oil in it, what should I look for? Any help would be appreciated, I'm spinning circles on this one.

 

Not sure about the rear differential, but I did have the front seals replaced. Your front axle may be low on fluid, but I would think you would see it leaking out. It is a gray type fluid and it stinks. If I remember right, there is a plastic shield under the axle. You need to remove it. There was a fill tube on the left (driver's side). Hope this helps and good luck.

Tom