Replacing axle seal and bearing on Dana 35—what is the proper seal depth?

GCole

GCole

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What is the proper depth for the axle seal? FSM doesn't seem to specify if it is supposed to be flush with the face of the axle tube, or seated as far as it can go in? I drove this one in without much effort and the bearing spins fine. Just wondering if this is an issue or not. Seal and bearing are Timken if that matters.

Thanks!
PXL_20211010_184940713.jpg
 
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ok, maybe I'll just get another one and set it flush to the axle face. The seal that I took out was a different style, it had a lip that went over the face of the axle tube, which sets the depth of the seal. All the seals that I can see now don't seem to be made like that.

Thanks
 
I wouldn't bother removing the seal until you check it with the axle shaft. You may end up being ok where you're at. Throw the shaft in there and take a look.
 
GCole said:
ok, maybe I'll just get another one and set it flush to the axle face. The seal that I took out was a different style, it had a lip that went over the face of the axle tube, which sets the depth of the seal. All the seals that I can see now don't seem to be made like that.

Thanks
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I always put them so the outside face of the seal housing is even with that chamfer or Just slightly beyond it. If you measure where the axle is riding on the seal it usually falls in that area…

Slip an axle in and you will probably notice the area where the seal normally rides is further out towards the brakes than where you have the new seal set now…
 
That chamfer is where I set the seal to on the other side, then went back and questioned if the other was too deep
 
And for comparison, I have another Dana 35 here with what I think is an OEM seal and that sits even deeper than where I am with my replacement. So good to go?
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Something doesn't look right in those photos. Did you have the C-clip installed in both photos?

The only way to tell for sure is to measure where the seal surface is on the shaft in reference to a datum point. Then install the shaft with the C-clip and compare how much axle shaft is still exposed by measuring from the same point.
 
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SvtLdr said:
Something doesn't look right in those photos. Did you have the C-clip installed in both photos?

The only way to tell for sure is to measure where the seal surface is on the shaft in reference to a datum point. Then install the shaft with the C-clip and compare how much axle shaft is still exposed by measuring from the same point.
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He doesn't need the C-clip, just the cross pin will work to show the depth. C-clip controls outward depth, cross pin controls inward.
 
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Thanks for looking SvtLdr and mrblaine. FWIW, that was with the crosspin and c clip in place, just like it would be if it were sealed up and ready to go. I guess the ultimate test will be to fill the diff with gear oil and start driving and see if there is a leak anywhere. Need to finish up a few other things before that happens, but hopefully it won't be a problem. We'll see!
 
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GCole said:
Thanks for looking SvtLdr and mrblaine. FWIW, that was with the crosspin and c clip in place, just like it would be if it were sealed up and ready to go. I guess the ultimate test will be to fill the diff with gear oil and start driving and see if there is a leak anywhere. Need to finish up a few other things before that happens, but hopefully it won't be a problem. We'll see!
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Just did the exact thing you did, today, installing new spider gears, axles, bearings and seals. Would sure like an update on how it's worked out for you! I used identical seals, and couldn’t get them to drive in evenly, so that's where mine ended up also. Any long term report on yours, would appreciate it, I'm filling and testing tomorrow.

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GCole said:
No leaks, everything doing just fine and I just completed re-gearing so I had the axle shafts out and could take a good look at things.
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Excellent, that makes my anxiety level go down tremendously lol!
I'll fill it, test and heat up on jack stands, then wheels back on and road test today.
Seriously, Thank you for the prompt response.
 
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