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Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHC4 front differential seal question
Leading reported evidence
Replace but only
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
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0
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1
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
I do not think that the differential needs fully replaced but only replace the output shaft bearings and seal.
Leading evidence: 'Replace but only' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Replace bearing as well' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I recently replaced my leaking (and noisy) 996 4s front diff with a $300 used one from a RL 996 turbo owner who did a RWD conversion.
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Suggestion · Original poster
I think that I will be replacing the bearing as well.
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Suggestion
When I did it, I was replacing the IMS so I just took out the entire differential so that I could have space to work + replace the fluid.
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Suggestion · Original poster
I do not think that the differential needs fully replaced but only replace the output shaft bearings and seal.
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Suggestion
Separate the stub that goes into the diff from the axle, if you need more room you may need to get the tie rod end off - you don't need the diff off to replace seal.
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6 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
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Generation: 20261026T203514Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
I have a 1999 porsche 996 carrera 4 convertible. When working under the car I find that the seals on the front differential is leaking. I removed the bolts holding the drive shaft but have difficulty getting the shaft moved far enough to remove the seal. Well, I also manhandled the shaft enough to drop out bearings on one side. So would you suggest that I just drop the front differential and fix it all outside of the car? I think that may be best but wanted to know if there is anything that needs to be watched for and careful of when dropping and reinstalling the front differential. I just wanted to fix a small leak and this has turned into a major job.
Any help or directions?
I recently replaced my leaking (and noisy) 996 4s front diff with a $300 used one from a RL 996 turbo owner who did a RWD conversion. Labor for removing and replacing was much more than the used part price. This might be your cheapest solution as I only found 1 shop i believe in CA or CO that will rebuild them and it was $1,100 plus shipping. I'm just assuming the C4 and C4s use the same front diff but I could be mistaken. Good luck.
Separate the stub that goes into the diff from the axle, if you need more room you may need to get the tie rod end off - you don't need the diff off to replace seal.
Check out this thread:
https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...ement-diy.html
Used parts, which you should not need. : C4/C4S/Turbo all the same diff in 996
These guys have 10 in stock at around $500 each.
https://specializedgerman.com/
Another option: DC Automotive
http://www.dcauto.com/
You probably just need new seals. As others have said, take the axle off and then the receiver stub pops out. When I did it, I was replacing the IMS so I just took out the entire differential so that I could have space to work + replace the fluid. Here is a write up I did with some pictures and tips:
https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...ement-diy.html
Thanks, I will be trying to remove the drive shaft to give me more room and do the work while the differential is in the car. Also, one side when I undid the bolts, the bearing came loose and the bearings came out. I think that I will be replacing the bearing as well.
Thanks all.
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