Axle seal popped out, big leak

[RalphP]

I got home from the drag strip Wednesday night and the car leaked diff fluid all over the place plus it was sprayed all over the back bumper I guess from going 130 while it was leaking ). I found that the axle seal on the passenger side was popped out away from the diff case so that the metal lip flange around the outside of the seal was 1/4 inch away from the diff case. On the drivers side it is flush against the diff case. Next I found that I could easily press it back into place by wedging a screwdriver between the lip flange and the CV joint housing of the axle.

Anybody had this happen? What is supposed to keep the lip flange up against the diff housing? Should it have been glue'd with RTV or something? I'm guessing it I drive it now, it will pop again. So I'm thinking I have to get a new seal, replace it and glue it?

Advice from those who really know would be highly appreciated. Also, I need to add fluid and I hear there is an additive. Info on that would be great too.

[extanker]

Originally Posted by RalphP

I got home from the drag strip Wednesday night and the car leaked diff fluid all over the place plus it was sprayed all over the back bumper I guess from going 130 while it was leaking ). I found that the axle seal on the passenger side was popped out away from the diff case so that the metal lip flange around the outside of the seal was 1/4 inch away from the diff case. On the drivers side it is flush against the diff case. Next I found that I could easily press it back into place by wedging a screwdriver between the lip flange and the CV joint housing of the axle.

Anybody had this happen? What is supposed to keep the lip flange up against the diff housing? Should it have been glue'd with RTV or something? I'm guessing it I drive it now, it will pop again. So I'm thinking I have to get a new seal, replace it and glue it?

Advice from those who really know would be highly appreciated. Also, I need to add fluid and I hear there is an additive. Info on that would be great too.

it will pop out again if it went back so easy.take it all apart and try putting in a new seal.you will have to tap the new seal in with a hammer evenly,it should go in tight with no sealer if it goes in too loose ya got trouble.a seal can turn with the out put shaft but i doubt it.get the rear additve from GM and the seal,put a little oil on seal lip.next and important check the breather vent it on top of case by left output shaft

[RalphP]

Thanks: Pretty much what I figured.....

[HeadHunter]

If you use Royal Purple fluid in the rear, the additive is already in there. Just another option.