Rear Differential Oil Seal Replacement - Can't get shaft out
 

Trying to replace an oil seal on the rear differential of a 2000 RX300. I have the differential out of the car and on a bench top, and am looking for a snap ring to release the axle stub shafts - can't see or get to any retention method. Picture of the inside of differential is attached. Thanks for any suggestions.

Since no one responded ..

I have a FWD so I can't be very specific in answering your question.

I do have experience with SC400 diff where the the two half-shafts-couplings are locked in by clips. To release them you have to yank the half shafts out. For some they just come out easy with a large lever and some had to beat the heck out with a hammer (take proper care as a wrong blow can cause damage). What I did was used the coupling blot holes and the used a long bolts to run through them and pushed against the diff housing. This arrangement created a puller tool.I did use flat head screw drivers to spread the force of the bolt on to the diff housing. I did use three bolts and threaded them evenly to prevent any twisting. Once the shaft moves out beyond the clips (1/4") the rest was easy.

Oh do remember to mark alignment marks on all shafts/coupling, so that during assembly they go back in the same place [for rotational balance].

Note: Please make sure RX has the same locking mechanism (clips on the coupling shaft).

Salim

PS: It seems you can not remove the connecting bolts. Lexus has a service tool that that gets bolted on to the coupling. Maybe you can use a slide hammer tool to the coupling with existing bolts.
Failing that you can use the old trick of two long flat screwdrivers or crow-bars.

Thanks Salim. I don't know why all the manuals I found for the first Gen RX300 showed a large access window inside the differential and snap rings that you remove with needle nose pliers, but mine does NOT have that. I thought maybe it was an LSD, as that was an option in 2000, but it doesn't pass the test for that either. Regardless, it's like what you described on your SC400. I had several small blocks of steel and a couple wedges, and I just kept using thicker steel, and driving the wedges between the shaft flange and the diff housing - two places across from each other. It worked, and I was on my way to changing the oil seals. Just finished a while ago, and I'm letting the FIPG set overnight before I add the gear lube and run it down the road.


Thanks for your help.

rear diff snap rings
 

I"m replacing a bad REAR axle diff seal on a 2002 rx300 at the moment. Bad news is the axle flange assembly does not pop out like most front axles do. I resorted to dropping the entire pumpkin. Sure enough there are snap rings retaining the inner flanges. See pics. FYI removing the pumpkin can be a beotch. I'm not done with project yet but removing the vent assembly on the cover will make it easier. (upper right of cover 17mm). More to come.

more pics
 

more pics for the purpose of helping my fellow Lexus freinds

final pics
 

more pics in the effort to help my fellow Lexus fans.

more pics
 

vent on cover 17mm. and what I hope is the correct flange seal.

FYI I believe the first picture in this post shows the limited slip version differential. The picture shows the Torsen style innards through the windows.