Passenger side front outer axle leak

[Minderbinder3]

So a couple of months ago I replaced the outer seal on the front passenger side axle because it had small leak. I used this seal and it fit the diameter of the axle shaft well but didn’t really fit the housing that well. It left a small gap as it didn’t seem to push in quite far enough. I thought no big deal and I will keep an eye on it.

After running it in 4H a couple of weeks ago, it is now leaking worse than it was before.

Maybe there is a better seal? Or is there an inner seal?

 

[Minderbinder3]

Here is what it looks like.

 

[TheBoogieman]

It's the inner seals.

 

[hosejockey61]

That's not an outer axle seal. As stated, that's an inner axle seal. The outer piece you are referencing is only there to keep large debris out of the axle tube. Your leak is coming from inside the housing at the inner axle seal. This will require you to remove the shafts and carrier in order to replace them. If you are replacing one, do both.

 

[hear]

IF you actually have outer seals and you find them to be leaking, step 1 is to remove them. If you happen to find them not leaking, step 1 is also to remove them. There is no step in the process that involves replacing them. Front axle outer seals are a non-factory device that doesn't solve the problem you think it solves, and often times creates problems you didn't otherwise have.

Any leaks you have are ultimately a result of the inner seal leaking.

 

[Minderbinder3]

Thanks. He makes it look easy in the video. How hard is it really?

 

[xXDavidCXx]

Thanks. He makes it look easy in the video. How hard is it really?

it's as easy as the video shows

 

[06TJ35's]

I recently changed my inner axle seals for the first time. It’s not to bad at all. I pressed in the seals with a tool from amazon
Inner Axle Side Seal Installation... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082SPPHB7?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[P man]

The worst part is getting the seals started correctly but there are tools and tricks to make that easier

 

[MutantNinjaTJ]

And after changing the inner seals, make sure you get the axel tubes cleaned of oil in them from the leak or you might think they are still leaking as that works it’s way out the end just sayin!

 

[hear]

And after changing the inner seals, make sure you get the axel tubes cleaned of oil in them from the leak or you might think they are still leaking as that works it’s way out the end just sayin!

Just shoot some oil dry down the tubes.






PLEASE DON'T DO THAT.

 

[Minderbinder3]

I recently changed my inner axle seals for the first time. It’s not to bad at all. I pressed in the seals with a tool from amazon
Inner Axle Side Seal Installation... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082SPPHB7?tag=wranglerorg-20

I recently changed my inner axle seals for the first time. It’s not to bad at all. I pressed in the seals with a tool from amazon
Inner Axle Side Seal Installation... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082SPPHB7?tag=wranglerorg-20

Thanks for that link. Does anybody know if AutoZone or O’Reilly’s loans a similar tool?

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Thanks for that link. Does anybody know if AutoZone or O’Reilly’s loans a similar tool?

Maybe but most just make something to push it into place. But avoid using a Duralast inner seal as is shown in your top post. Duralast is AutoZone's store brand and there's no worse quality store brand I'm aware of than Duralast.

Instead I'd go for the TImken 710068 or the SKF or Centric inner seals show on https://www.britannica.com/technology/nickel-silver

One of your local auto parts stores, especially likely would be NAPA, might have one of those better brands. Use the part numbers on that webpage to call around if you can't wait for Rockauto to ship it to you. Avoid store brands for critical replacement parts like that seal or for sensors.

 

[Minderbinder3]

Maybe but most just make something to push it into place. But avoid using a Duralast inner seal as is shown in your top post. Duralast is AutoZone's store brand and there's no worse quality store brand I'm aware of than Duralast.

Instead I'd go for the TImken 710068 or the SKF or Centric inner seals show on https://www.britannica.com/technology/nickel-silver

One of your local auto parts stores, especially likely would be NAPA, might have one of those better brands. Use the part numbers on that webpage to call around if you can't wait for Rockauto to ship it to you. Avoid store brands for critical replacement parts like that seal or for sensors.

Thank you Jerry. I just ordered 2 from Rockauto. I am not in a real big hurry so I can wait for them to arrive.

 

[Minderbinder3]

Just finished up. Took me about 3 hours.

I had use a long piece of 1 1/4” PVC pipe to knock old seals out. Also used a small piece of the pipe to tap seals into place without the special tool.

Also had a hard time getting passenger side shaft back into new seal because it is heavy and the inside end weighs it self down so that it couldn’t go through enter of seal. Had the wife come out to help after about 30 minutes of me trying and she said “why don’t you use something to prop up the bottom with something”.
So I used a socket extension and it held it up enough to slide the shaft into the right place.

I was liberal with the RSV and had it all over me, along with the old gear oil.

Messy but worth it!

Thanks for the advice and encouragement.