2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Leaking rear axle seal on 3500 dually-20K on new seal

[WaltHess]

Replaced the brakes about 20,000 miles ago, and have noticed a leak on the drivers side. The leak is from the hub seal, not the axle flange. I used good quality seals, and was very careful installing them, and assembling the hub onto the axle housing. Just bad luck, or should I look for something else? Truck has almost 240,000 total miles.

 

[dcoffman]

The same thing happened to me about 5 years ago. I just had a leak on the right rear. I changed seal and about 15k later noticed another leak. Chenged seal again and no more leak. I'm guessing I got a bad seal. It came from NAPA and thier stuff in made in China or Mexico. Went to Auto Zone and got a National seal made in USA.

 

[HHhuntitall]

Did you have a groove in the axle housing? If you do, and you replace the seal where it runs in that same groove, it's likely it will leak. Also, did you use emery cloth or scotch brite on it so it could re-wear a running spot on the housing? Lastly, are the bearings torqued and backed off properly? If the bearings are loose, it can cause the seal to leak.

 

[Joe Mc]

I had a similar situation happen. It turned out the actual rubber to axle wasn't the source of the leak it was the outer metal of the seal to housing hole that was leaking. New seal, coat mating surface of housing with blue goo and installed seal = no more leak. So from then on whenever I install that type of seal I blue goo it . . .

 

[HHhuntitall]

I had a similar situation happen. It turned out the actual rubber to axle wasn't the source of the leak it was the outer metal of the seal to housing hole that was leaking. New seal, coat mating surface of housing with blue goo and installed seal = no more leak. So from then on whenever I install that type of seal I blue goo it . . .

That's a good suggestion/tip. Always check the seal bore for debris and make sure your new seal has adequate sealer all the way around. Blue loctite, I think is what he's talking about. Silicone works, but be carefull with it, as it can allow your seal to move during installation if not cured well.

 

[WaltHess]

Thanks for the suggestions.

No groove noted on axle housing.

Hubs were totally cleaned at work in the solvent tank before assembling. Axle sprayed down, and wiped clean just before assembling.

Did not goop the seals when installed, used right out of the box. , and they were a pretty tight fit. I am leaning towards the rubber being toasted.

Bearings torqued per specs. I pulled the wheels, and tried to wiggle the hub-no slop detected.

Seals came from NAPA along with the new brake pads, and rotors. May still have a box laying around, will check for country of origin.

 

[HHhuntitall]

Hmmm, well, I presume you're familiar with the concept of honing, such as in a cylinder bore for the new rings to seat in..... it's similar for seals, to a certain extent. Just a thought. And it could be a crappy seal. I often use Dodge seals from the dealer. They have an extra lip on some of them, that are not offered over the counter, and they seem to hold up better, especially in t-case and transmission applications... ...

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[Crowhurst]

I always fit new bearings while the axle is stripped down. At your mileage, any wear in the bearings might affect the seal. And I use the blue goop.

Nick.