2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Leaky axle ?!?!?

[RJPotts]

Alright, I just recently changed both front brake rotors, pads and calipers on my '96.



Well all was good for about a week, and today when I went out to my truck to start it. I was something shiny on the inside of the driver's side tire.

I kneeled down to inspect and sure enough it was dope. Looks like its coming from behind the axleshaft where it enters the axle tube.

Any ideas why this would happen now? Something to worry about?



Thanks,

-R. J.

 

[Glen Pratt]

On the '96 when you pulled the front hub assemblies to change the rotors you probably disturbed the front axle seals. I would wait a while before trying to take anything apart. They usually seal themselves back up. If the leak persists you'll need to replace the front axle seals. It's a pretty detailed project. Both hub assemblies need to be removed, front gear lube drained, both passenger side and driver side axle shafts as well as the intermediate axle shaft must be removed. The front differential carrier must be removed. This may or may not require a case spreader. The front axle seals are inboard and must be pressed in from the inside using a special tool. You might as well do the axle bearings at the same time while your in there. Check this link: http://dieselpowerman.tripod.com/Front Axle Tech/Front Axle Tech.htm . This will give you an idea of what's involved. I need to do mine soon.

 

[macdaddy]

On the '96 when you pulled the front hub assemblies to change the rotors you probably disturbed the front axle seals. I would wait a while before trying to take anything apart. They usually seal themselves back up. If the leak persists you'll need to replace the front axle seals. It's a pretty detailed project. Both hub assemblies need to be removed, front gear lube drained, both passenger side and driver side axle shafts as well as the intermediate axle shaft must be removed. The front differential carrier must be removed. This may or may not require a case spreader. The front axle seals are inboard and must be pressed in from the inside using a special tool. You might as well do the axle bearings at the same time while your in there. Check this link: http://dieselpowerman.tripod.com/Front Axle Tech/Front Axle Tech.htm . This will give you an idea of what's involved. I need to do mine soon.

Ditto

Had that same problem with my 99. If you don't properly support the axel shaft while the hub is apart the inboard seal of the axel housing will be oval for a period of time. Mine sealed back up, it takes awhile for all the lube to quit leaking out. Just keep an eye on the oil level.



Mac

 

[RJPotts]

Sounds good. Thanks for the info.

If it comes down to all that I'll probably just live with it until the whole thing is apart next. A friend of mine has a Jeep thats been doing it since he bought it through all sorts of 4-wheeling. I don't think a truck that hardly sees a dirt road will be too badly hurt.

Thanks again,

-R. J.

 

[biggy238]

I've driven mine for 18 months with the pass side leaking... every time I check the case it's full of oil so it's not leaking as much as it looks...



I too need to try and replace it.



Anyone know the opart number for the installer? I was gonna try the socket method but I don't have a socket to fit the seals and haven't had any luck out of my home-made piece.