2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Drive axle seal leaks

[TEasley]

Less than a year ago I replaced the lip seals on both sides of my '97 2wd. I believe that it is a Dana 70. The seals fit and the bearing nut lock didn't look like anything I had ever seen, but the parts place had them too. Problem is that they are leaking again, not enough to streak the inside of the tires, but enough to smell now and then, and make the brakes puny.



Does anyone know of a better system for sealing the bearing spindles, or maybe I did something wrong? ( I used the big, cheesy socket to tighten the nuts handy ) I also pre-packed the bearings with hi-temp wheel bearing grease. I sure expected it to last longer than a year. I've done a couple of the big Spicers and never went back.



Thanks, Tom

 

[KWentling]

I don't know if there is an improved seal or not. The two things that come to mind are: Did you put some lube on the lips when you installed them? If not they may have burned and do not seal. The other is the condition of the sealing surface of the spindle. If they are grooved at all new seals will leak. That was the case of mine and I installed speedy sleeves. That was about 50K ago and they are still holding.



Kim

 

[TEasley]

Kim; Thanks for the info. I can't remember for sure if I lubed the seals, but I hope that I would have. I also don't know if I really checked closely for grooving. I probably wouldn't have worried much about a small groove even if I did see it. I will check the local parts houses for the sleeves just in case I need them when I get the hubs off. Thanks again, Tom

 

[CumminsPower98]

Quad4x4.com has oil bath seals part number: QK8340 Look near the bottom of this page.

 

[TEasley]

Cummins Power 98... . Added the site to my favorites. They have a shopping list of replacements for the weird Dana parts. Just got back from a 4500 mi trip and finances have to recover, then I get to play in the hypoid gear lube again. Thanks for the info. Tom