Leaky axle

[CToney]

I just noticed a leak coming from my rear axle. It was leaking out near my left rear wheel. It wasn't leaking out from inside the drum. But rather it was leaking between the drum and the hub. I removed the wheel and found the drum was loose. I took out the bolts holding the axle shaft. I then remouved the "lock" and tightened the nut and put the "lock" back in. The axle still leaks. Is there a seal or gasket that is worn or am I in need of a new drum/hub. I've looked in my service manual and haven't found the answer I'm looking for. I would like to rebuild my rearend but funds are in very short supply.



I need some help.



CR Toney

 

[Bluebird]

Leaky axle seals...

It's an easy fix. Both of mine have been replaced at 165K. It sounds like you already have the tools to get the nuts off. Recommedation: New axle nuts (the large one) and the lock that stops the nut from turning. Low cost parts. Many post on this subject, check the search forums. I hope this helps, Patrick

or, PM me.....

 

[tugboatphil]

CR,



Don't put it off. Just had a leak on long road trip, which I didn't catch in time. Cooked the left wheel bearings. There were about 5 rollers left when we got it apart. Had to take off the axle housing and get the races repaired.



Good luck!

 

[Case500D]

Rear axle seal

CR,



I have had the same problem you are talking about. If it is leaking oil between the hub and drum, then the axle seal is leaking. It costs about $20 USD for a new seal. When you change the seal make sure there aren't any grooves in the surface where the seal runs. If so, you need to put a speedi sleeve on. This sleeve provides a new surface for the seal to run on. You also need to get a new nylon retaining nut. They are a one time use item. If the drum is loose on the hub, at very least you will need new wheel studs. If the holes are worn out (oversized), then a new drum and hub. Hope this helps.



Jeremy

 

[dpuckett]

new seal should take care of your leak, esp if the hub was loose.



Jeremy, I never knew the nylock nut was a one time use deal- I've never replaced one, I dont think. And I have never been able to find them cheap, either. I lost the lilttle wedge thing one time, adn had to give $5 for a new one. New nut here is about $25. NOTHING is cheap here, except the quality of life..... 8 more days Oo. Oo.



Daniel

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I have reused the nylock nuts many times. I suggest having a new key around as sometimes they are distorted and should not be reused. Be sure the oil level is high enough or the left bearings cook. I like the Mag Hytec especially for this reason. With the stock cover, point the truck downhill, and fill as far as you can, install the plug before any leaks out. Many of the older Dodge Danas have a stamped steel baffle around the seal to deflect leakage from the brake shoes and out of the drum between the hub and drum. Great idea that was dropped before 1994. You need a new seal and proper adjustment of bearing endplay to fix the leak.