Hi,
I have a leaking dif front seal that needs replacing.
I have my car up in the air, 24" and have removed all the neceassary fastenes except the remaining front subframe ones.
I'm handling this repair myself and am wondering if I can 'semi' safely drop this rear suspension assembly by myself with a 2 ton jack (or two)?
wj

 

I did the same as you and discovered that the Diff assembly is really heavy and awkward to find centre of gravity with a trolley jack. It just wasn't safe enough to continue as a one person job. In the end I reduced the mass by partly stripping the assembly and used a Motorcycle lift to lower the whole lot and also to lift it back in. Much safer this way and I also used wooden planks to chock each stage and keep it balanced.

 

Do you think two people, two floor Jack's with transmisson adapters would work?
Or any other suggestions short of stripping it further.
Thanks
Wj

 

pinion seal quite do-able in situ. Of course removal might enable more extensive maintenance work.

 

Can you lower the car so the subframe is resting on blocks, then undo the bolts and raise the body up and off?

 

Baxtor is right ..... unless you want to do any other work, all you need to do is drop or remove the prop shaft and you can access the oil seal directly. I changed one last week in a couple of hours.

Of course, changing or topping up the diff oil is a nightmare job on some versions of the X100, actually harder than changing the pinion oil seal. There are ways around this but dropping the diff does make changing the oil a thousand times easier.

Richard

 

Yes. there are other repairs/replacements planned.
Harbor Freight has a 450 lb cap transmisson jack, would....maybe this would work. Scissors not hydraulic.
wj

 

If you do decide to drop the entire axle then it is best with a single Jack in the centre (see 1st pic). Just take care. I estimate it weighs over 200 Kg.
Also, don't forget to first detach both the 'hidden' exhaust brackets on top of the Axle (see 2nd pic).

 

I think I spent more time removing the exhaust brackets bolts than all the others!
wj

 

Alright, opinions please.

Both of these can be purchased for a reasonable price.

This adapter unit uses a ½” thick bolt to attach to a floor jack. I have several 2 ton jacks that could accommodate this type if mounting.




The Harbor Freight screw jack might also work, the upper platform is rather small and I think balancing the suspension might be more of an issue with it.




I appreciate everyone’s thoughts on this.

wj

 

Your hydraulic Trolley Jack will suffice. The Adaptor is a great addition for safety.

The scissor screw Jack may not be sturdy enough at height.

 

Thanks, will get back to it. 100 degree days keeps me out of garage.
wj

 

Very hot in Wimberley, that's for sure.
I'm here too, perhaps we can meet up?

best, Steve

 

I'll be in touch.
wj