So my axle retaining seal is ruined on my 1997 pontiac sunfire gt manual transmission. It was ruined pulloing the motor. I am trying to replace it but I am not sure how to remove it. Does it just pull out? I havent tried too much force. My other problem is none of the parts shop know what I am alking about. Oreilly's has a "differential output shaft seal" but they wont just order it so I can see if its the right part. The picture on there site is just a generic picture. Does anybody know where I can find one or is it a dealer only item?



Here is a pic of the seal I am talking about. Its the metal ring with the holes in it.
Thanks,
J igby

it should pop out using a flat head screwdriver or equivalent .. just pry it out. tap the new one in gently (wood mallet or something) so it goes in square.

when i did mine i got 'em from the dealer, 15 bucks each or something

14.82 @ 97 mph

Hey,
I replaced my axle recently and had to change that oil seal. Its a reaaaaaal pain in the butt. Took me a whole week end to replace.The seal has to be priyed out so don't get scared when it bends and brakes just pry untill you get the sucker out. You can get the oil seal at NAPPA that is the only place I could have found mine. And don't just get one get a few, chances are you will go through all of them.... like said before you need to hit it square to get it in so get a socket or something that will fit around the circumfrance of the seal to tap it in. Also a technician had recommended that I freeze the new oil seal to make it shrink (when it thaws it will return to normal size) before I attempt to put it in. I did not try it so i cannot tell you if it will work but the theory makes sense. pls write back and let know your progress. Good luck

Kpack

it pulled out just took some effort. The seal was a PITA to install I just made a punch that held it center and pushed on the outer ring it still took some effort but went in strait eventually.
Thanks guys