Damaged Front axle inner oil seal - Subaru Outback

icesurfer · 02-14-2013, 10:02 PM

I (foolishly) used a pry bar in an attempt to remove the front axle from the transmission. Now the ring that mates with the 'inner seal' is mangled. Apparently this part is not available from Subaru. Do I need to purchase new axles?

By the way, after I tried unsuccessfully to get the axle out without removing any bolts from the suspension I found this youtube video which was VERY helpful

video

1 Lucky Texan · 02-14-2013, 11:19 PM

good idea to put some anti-seize or similar on the splines.

Novablue · 02-15-2013, 12:05 AM

That piece looks like a press on retainer ring. An independent drive-line repair or re-fab shop should be able to help you but when all is said and done it might be better to just replace the whole thing. If it's me, I'd very carefully bend it back in to shape. It's just there as a dust shield basically.

There's a great place called Drive-lines NW in Everett WA but I bet that it's too far for you.

CNY_Dave · 02-15-2013, 10:08 AM

That thing is just a splash guard, it doesn't engage anything.

Take it off, or straighten it, just make sure it doesn't touch the seal.

It comes off fairly easily, I transferred mine to an axle that didn't come with one.
If you have some down time, I might have a spare to mail.

icesurfer · 02-15-2013, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Novablue

That piece looks like a press on retainer ring. An independent drive-line repair or re-fab shop should be able to help you but when all is said and done it might be better to just replace the whole thing. If it's me, I'd very carefully bend it back in to shape. It's just there as a dust shield basically.

There's a great place called Drive-lines NW in Everett WA but I bet that it's too far for you.

Yes, thanks for the suggestion, but Washington is a long way from Minnesota and I won't be driving out there (for windsurfing) until it warms up.

icesurfer · 02-15-2013, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CNY_Dave

That thing is just a splash guard, it doesn't engage anything.

Take it off, or straighten it, just make sure it doesn't touch the seal.

It comes off fairly easily, I transferred mine to an axle that didn't come with one.
If you have some down time, I might have a spare to mail.

Perhaps I was looking for a seal when it is actually a baffle plate. Item #5 as shown in the diagram below is called 'baffle plate inner join'

AutoCenter.net

CNY_Dave · 02-15-2013, 03:31 PM

The seal stays in the trans, with the stub axle sticking out through it.

cardoc · 02-15-2013, 08:26 PM

Its not an absolute necessity to have it on the axle. You can leave it the way it is or just rebend it a little straighter before you install the axle.

CNY_Dave · 02-16-2013, 12:26 PM

Oh sure, cardoc, say what I said but you'll get the glory and the women

cardoc · 02-16-2013, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CNY_Dave

Oh sure, cardoc, say what I said but you'll get the glory and the women

I must have missed it first go round.

IT WAS DAVE. REALLY.

02-14-2013, 11:19 PM	#2 (permalink)
1 Lucky Texan Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: behind the Krell Metal door Car: 03 H6 OBW & 06 WRX Sportwagon Posts: 4,273 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	good idea to put some anti-seize or similar on the splines. __________________ Time Flies Like an Arrow, Fruit Flies Like a Banana!

02-15-2013, 12:05 AM	#3 (permalink)
Novablue Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: WA Car: '12 Outback 2.5L CVT Premium, Skyblue Posts: 1,008 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	That piece looks like a press on retainer ring. An independent drive-line repair or re-fab shop should be able to help you but when all is said and done it might be better to just replace the whole thing. If it's me, I'd very carefully bend it back in to shape. It's just there as a dust shield basically. There's a great place called Drive-lines NW in Everett WA but I bet that it's too far for you. __________________ -Dave Common sense, isn't common.

02-15-2013, 03:31 PM	#7 (permalink)
CNY_Dave Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: central NY USA Car: 2003 LLBean H6 Outback Posts: 3,356 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	The seal stays in the trans, with the stub axle sticking out through it. Attached Thumbnails

02-15-2013, 08:26 PM	#8 (permalink)
cardoc Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Austin Car: 2001 VDC, 2000 Outback 5MT (on the cheap) Posts: 3,067 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Its not an absolute necessity to have it on the axle. You can leave it the way it is or just rebend it a little straighter before you install the axle. __________________ SubarCharged 2001 VDC AWD Super Charged 3.0 Raptor VLLC Water Cooled Ultralight Denso WRX 410cc Injectors (Soon DW650cc) Silicone Intakes tubing w/GReddy TypeS Type 13 WTA intercooler with 10x13 radiator w/7" fan Aeromotive FPR & DW300 pushing E85 Innovate Motorsport WB, EGT, VAC/Boost Gauges Projector HID Headlights/HID Fogs Clarion DD, Polk Audio, Kicker Sub, SO M1350 Amp All ECM Mapping by ED @ XRT naysayers All the goodies with an extra kick in the seat

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02-15-2013, 10:08 AM	#4 (permalink)
CNY_Dave Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: central NY USA Car: 2003 LLBean H6 Outback Posts: 3,356 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	That thing is just a splash guard, it doesn't engage anything. Take it off, or straighten it, just make sure it doesn't touch the seal. It comes off fairly easily, I transferred mine to an axle that didn't come with one. If you have some down time, I might have a spare to mail.

02-16-2013, 12:26 PM	#9 (permalink)
CNY_Dave Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: central NY USA Car: 2003 LLBean H6 Outback Posts: 3,356 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Oh sure, cardoc, say what I said but you'll get the glory and the women

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