Front diff fluid drain for replacing front axle seal

[sbp82290]

I read that I need to get about .5 liters of diff fluid out before removing the front left diff flange because of possible cross contamination. I have only been able to siphon out about a quarter liter out. It's not easy to siphon it out. Is that 1/4 liter a safe enough amount to still be able to remove the flange and shaft??

[SlickFix]

What are you using to siphon it out? Something like this should work.

[sbp82290]

I've tried different diameter hoses and can only get them about 3 inches into the diff so, I've only been able to siphon off about 10oz and I read I need to get about 16oz out before pulling the flange out.

[lookaught]

The front diff is lubricated by trans fluid, you can just pull the seal and let it leak out and then top off the trans like you normally would.

Personally though, considering how easy it is to change the trans fluid I'd probably opt to change it by draining it completely through the drain, it'll save you a mess of leaking oil. The whole trans takes less than three quarts of oil. You need a special tool for the trans drain, you can buy it at www.metalnerd.com

[customa4]

I'm pretty sure a pair of vice grips will work too. That's what I did. The price of that tool is stupid. I would also opt to just change the fluid.

[sbp82290]

My front diff actually has gear lube in it. From the Bentley manual it says to drain .5 liters from the front diff before removing the seal because of possible cross-contamination. Do I need to not worry about draining the diff??

[lookaught]

Do you have an automatic transmission?

[sbp82290]

Yes, it's an auto