Rear axle leaking

[GregBelleville]

I just got back yesterday from a wheeling trip out to a pretty tough trail called Odessa Canyon near Barstow, CA.

The Jeep did great yesterday, this was by far the toughest trail I've done, and had no issues on the trail at all.

Today I got underneath to inspect for any damage and noticed this leak from my passenger side of the rear axle.

Upon pulling the brake cover, it was coming from the axle seal it appears.

Appreciate any advice on where to go from here everyone, this is a new one for me.

 

[Rubiconned]

Probably axle bearing seal.

 

[GregBelleville]

Probably axle bearing seal.

Would that be the seal visible in my photo, or is that the seal inside the differential?

 

[Rubiconned]

In your photo. You're going to have to pull your axle and the bearing off to replace it. So, you'll need a new bearing kit.

 

[GregBelleville]

In your photo. You're going to have to pull your axle and the bearing off to replace it. So, you'll need a new bearing kit.

Got it thanks, I'm assuming the seal gets driven out from the inside?

I'm not a corner cutter typically, but I do happen to have another Dana 35 that I hope to swap into this rig soon once I find a front axle. That being said, is this still drivable for the time being, especially if I'm not wheeling it if I clean it and inspect for further signs of leaking?

 

[Rubiconned]

Got it thanks, I'm assuming the seal gets driven out from the inside?

I'm not a corner cutter typically, but I do happen to have another Dana 35 that I hope to swap into this rig soon once I find a front axle. That being said, is this still drivable for the time being, especially if I'm not wheeling it if I clean it and inspect for further signs of leaking?

The seal comes off with the bearing when you pull the axle. They are stacked. Yeah, you can drive it if you don't let the gear oil run low. Check the fill hole level on the diff cover occasionally.

 

[Rickyd]

It is an easy cheap thing to change Greg. Diff cover comes off,cross pin comes out,c-clips,then axles.

Typically a slide hammer is used to pull the seal and you do the bearing at the same time since play it it can ruin the seal.
Might be able to sneak a cats paw nail puller or lady's foot prybar in to remove just the seal.Or put a long enough screw in the seal to grab it with vise grips and use a flat head screwdriver behind it.

The thing to look out for with a gear oil leak is once it gets on your brake shoes it will make them grab violently and lock up on you. I would fix it for safety and for resale value. Seal only at first if you are feeling lucky? Lubelocker gasket will make the drain and refill much easier

 

[Rickyd]

@Rubiconned

I think you are talking about a Dana 44. On his Dana 35 the seal and bearing are seated into the axle tube. Not pressed onto the shaft

 

[tnjeepguy]

Not that hard, just be careful cutting off the old retainer and bearing. Dana 44 above, Dana 35 below.

 

[GregBelleville]

The thing to look out for with a gear oil leak is once it gets on your brake shoes it will make them grab violently and lock up on you.

Thanks, that's good to know. I cleaned it up and put everything back together, but sounds like I'll need to make this a sooner rather than later project.

 

[GregBelleville]

Not that hard, just be careful cutting off the old retainer and bearing. Dana 44 above, Dana 35 below.

Thanks, that job definitely looks doable, might need to invest in a slide hammer.

 

[macleanflood]

Might need new brake shoes. Once soaked in oil they're usually shot.

If you're doing one side do the other or it'll leak next week.

-Mac

 

[GregBelleville]

Might need new brake shoes. Once soaked in oil they're usually shot.

If you're doing one side do the other or it'll leak next week.

-Mac

The brakes are brand new, just replaced this year. It looks like I caught it quickly enough that it never got on the shoes.

 

[Rickyd]

Thanks, that's good to know. I cleaned it up and put everything back together, but sounds like I'll need to make this a sooner rather than later project.

Dang, I think now we know how to do white trash bmb brake pads! Soak em in gear oil before install! That would give it some whoa,lol