Rear Axle Leaking

[muskyman]

I PULLED THE INSPECTION PLUG ON THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE LAST NIGHT AND IT APPEARS THAT I HAVE A SEAL LEAKING. ARE THERE CHANGES TO USING MOPAR SEALS IE A BETTER WAY? THE TRUCK IS A 96 4X4 EXTENDED CAB.

THANKS

 

[RT66DOC]

Muskyman - Interesting you should pop up just now with this question. I too have 96 4x4 EC with recently developed rear seal leak. I just posted to the 911 thread on this topic re: How long can I drive like this w/out damage? Don't have time to fix it this weekend. I'll be watching to see what info comes back on your question. Something I hadn't considered.



BTW, how many miles on your truck? Mine's around 82k.

 

[Alaskaskiff]

Axle seals

Buy the seal from NAPA!



Same seal half the price. NAPA number 28746.



You also need a rounded corner 2 9/16 socket to pull of the axle nut. Also available at NAPA.



When you get the seal off, look at the mating surface on the axle and if it rough sand it sooth with 400 grit. If deeply grooved you can get sleeves to rebuild the surface.

 

[RT66DOC]

Alaskaskiff -



Thanks for the NAPA tip. Do they also have gaskets for the hub?



I have the DC svc manual and a cheap-by-comparison Haynes manual (Dodge Pick-Ups 1994 thru 1996 - 2Z1-30041). The Haynes has PICTURES Chapter 8, Section 17 (Rear axleshaft - 60/70/80 axles - removal, installation and adjustment) and Section 18 (Hub and bearing assembly - 60/70/80 axles- removal, installation and adjustment). It says to use a new adjusting nut when re-assembling. Why a new one?



Cheers

 

[Alaskaskiff]

New rear axle nut

The keeper that that keeps the nut from loosening is a jam fit under the nut. I was in a hurry this morning or would have listed the other part numbers you might need. I have not replaced the nut and not had a problem. The show-stopper was the large socket with the rounded corners.



Mopar #s



nut is #52069306

locking Shim (definitely replace this, I broke one getting it out) #4797126

outer oil seal #4384186



They were all cheap at the stealer, so I haven't checked NAPA.



If the parts monkey can't find the stuff it is not listed with the axle, but in the rear brake section.



The outer seal (under the 8 outer bolts is a crush fit style that is better off being replaced.

 

[Cooker]

It looks like Alaskaskiff has got you pretty well covered.



I would not worry about replacing the nut unless it has been apart several times and the nylon get really chewed up.



I agree, definitely replace the locking shim (mine broke upon removal also)



Napa has a KD tools socket that you will need. If you'd like, I can dig up the PN for the socket. Cost was around $30.



I did not replace the outer "crush-type" seal the first time around and all sealed up fine. The next time around I replaced it. I think it was around $5 at the stealer.



While you have it apart you may want to inspect your bearings, they likely will not need replacement, but it is a good time to check.



One other note, if the brake pads have gear oil on them they are junk, and you will need to replace them.



All in all it is a very easy repair, if you have the right parts on hand.



Hope this helps,

Ryan

 

[RT66DOC]

Andy & Ryan -



Thanks for the help, guys. I am sure the brake shoe is soaked - probably why the whole back end of the truck smells like hot diff lube, eh? Anyway, the brakes are original and have 82 k on them so it's time for a change.



Ryan - If you can find the NAPA part # for that socket I'd appreciate it. I checked NAPA online but couldn't locate it.



Andy - Was curious about your Alaskaskiff handle so I took a look at your profile (LCDR/USCG) and now it all becomes clear---> conjures up visions of a 60 footer in 30'+ following breaking seas with some lucky guy (or gal, ok with me) chasing the wheel to avoid the Big B--->BROACH Baptism of fire, eh?

 

[Cooker]

The PN for the socket is: KDS2436

 

[Dan_69GTX]

Greetings - I'll put in my 2c here.



I just did this on my truck (see sig) that has the dana 80 w/ 2 1/2" brakes.



These parts were purchased at carquest.



REAR OIL SEALS SLS 417158 $8. 87

dealer = ~$20

REAR AXLE LOCK NUT HOLDING PIN DOR 615-135 $1. 25

dealer = ~$5

REAR AXLE LOCK NUT DOR 615-139 $23. 15 -

dealer - $27





The lock pin and nut are from Dorman products, the seal is a national seal.



I ended up not using the new nut because the old one never was off before - now I have it when I need it.



Oh yea - in all my years of working on truck (big and small) I have never bought a seal for the outside axle shaft to hub area. Just use a VERY THIN layer of silicone sealant and you won't have a problem. BUT - clean off the sealing area with brake cleaner and a rag else you will.



Hope this helps some.

Dan