2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Leaking front axle seal

[CGALATE]

Last weekend the truck got new front brakes from the lines to the rotors. Tues. while working I kept checking the fittings for leakage, all the brake fittings were fine. The thing is, on the inside of the right tire there are some drip spots and the only place leaking is from where the axle fits with the housing. Smells like 90w as well.



Could I have done this during my work or just bad luck?



Should this be an urgent fix? I have heard both yes and no to this one.

 

[Pavemen]

if it is just a few drips on the inside of the inner c, its not urgent. if its pouring out or continues to leak a few drips over a few months, then you can change it out.

have you removed the axle shafts recently?

 

[CTD12V]

Hey CGalate,



I have the same problem. I pulled my rotors off a year and a half ago, and even though I read TDR posts for days before I did the job, I somehow managed to miss the one that stressed supporting the axle shaft when the rotor was removed. Apparently what happens is that once the hub/bearing/rotor assembly is removed, the axle shaft is supported only by the seal in the axle housing. This can deform the seal slightly, especially if it is old, and it may or may not spring back to fit snugly around the axle shaft when everything is put back together. If the axle shaft slides too far out when you are pulling the rotors, it can disrupt the seal as well. Anyways, a year and a half later, my drivers side seal is still leaking 90W on the inside of my tire. I guess I need to replace my seal. Until I do, I have to periodically check the fluid level in the front pumpkin. Which reminds me . . .



Anyways, that is my understanding of my problem, at least. Somebody else can probably chip in and explain/diagnose your problem a little better.



Good luck,



CTD12V

 

[Pavemen]

Hey CGalate,

I have the same problem. I pulled my rotors off a year and a half ago, and even though I read TDR posts for days before I did the job, I somehow managed to miss the one that stressed supporting the axle shaft when the rotor was removed. Apparently what happens is that once the hub/bearing/rotor assembly is removed, the axle shaft is supported only by the seal in the axle housing. This can deform the seal slightly, especially if it is old, and it may or may not spring back to fit snugly around the axle shaft when everything is put back together. If the axle shaft slides too far out when you are pulling the rotors, it can disrupt the seal as well. Anyways, a year and a half later, my drivers side seal is still leaking 90W on the inside of my tire. I guess I need to replace my seal. Until I do, I have to periodically check the fluid level in the front pumpkin. Which reminds me . . .

Anyways, that is my understanding of my problem, at least. Somebody else can probably chip in and explain/diagnose your problem a little better.

Good luck,

CTD12V

on your 4x4, the axle itself is supported by the stub shaft in the knuckle opening. there should be very little movement of the axle even with the rotor/hub removed. now, if you moved the shaft around a bunch while removing the hub/rotor then you may have damaged the seal, but generally its pretty forgiving.

changing them out is not too bad as long as you dont mind pulling the differential carrier and ring gear for the driver side or renting/making a seal driver for the passenger side (doesnt need the diff removed for that one)

 

[CGALATE]

Yeah, its gotta be from the axle hanging without the hub supporting it. Of course I moved it around a bit, I cleaned the surface where the hub bolts to it cause they were stuck together.

 

[JFaughn]

Its common that an older truck seal will not recover from the axial being moved around , its too bad that its such a big pain to change the seals .