My left driveshaft snapped out due to left lower-ball-joint failure. No problem, bought another driveshaft and ball-joint and reinstalled them, and yes it is the exact same size of driveshaft, i measured every portion of the driveshaft. After putting it in...i get a differential leak. So i take it off again put it in...and i notice there's a gap between the differential and the inner joint of the driveshaft. What can it be, missing oil seal or something?

Here's a photo for better understanding:
-uploadin-


Thanks!

 

No photo. There should be a 1/8" to 1/4" gap. The seal may be damaged.

 

What the seal called? and where does it reside...specifically?

 

It's called the differential oil seal. It surrounds the end of the drive shaft that inserts into the transmission.

 

I don't think the gap is excessive. Sometimes there is a small amount of transmission fluid leakage from this area for a short time after replacing an axle.

 

Does it look like i need one? i don't see any seal between the two...

 

Wipe the area clean of oil and then observe it for a few days to see whether the leakage eventually stops.

The seal is inside the transmission where the axle end inserts.

 

I did the waiting, 3 or 4 days.... still leaks, but again is there is no additional seal that goes in between the differential and the inner joint spline portion? How can i tell if the differential seal is damaged? All i know there's two seals on the spline itself, and both are located before the set ring. The two seals seem to be at a lower level than the spline grooves...is that usual?

 

What year Civic? Automatic or manual transmission? How much oil is leaking?

There is definitely an oil seal inside the transmission where the axle splines insert. You can't see it with the axle installed. To see it, you would need to remove the axle and peer into the hole in the transmission.

 

97' Civic - Manual 5 Speed

About two hands big splat of oil every day or more...
Yes you are right, there's nothing inside the differential spline insert hole.

Thank you so much RonJ for all of your support!
Hopefully i can find accessories like that somewhere...at the transmission stores...?