Hi Internet and IH8MUD family,
I've got a pretty solid 255k 1991 FJ80, tires, brush guard & winch etc entry level trail ready ..... but a few years back I did crack the spider gear in my front diff and ended up having a shop replace the whole front end. Everything was great.
Since then, I had my front right axle seal start leaking and despite my best efforts I can't get it to stop. By the time I got around to installing maybe my 3rd axle seal, assuming i'd been simply doing something wrong, I noticed the axle itself where it spun on the seal had the obvious signs of wear. Assuming at that point the axle shaft had been worn enough that it couldn't seal properly and clearly that was my issue, I replaced it. I bought a front right axle shaft (used) with less visual wear and best I could tell (visually and with straight edge) to be in highly serviceable shape.
That didn't fix it. I replaced the seal when I put in the axle, but she still leaks. I just hate the mess and I'm in my head about running low on gear oil and ruining my diff again..
What else can I try?
-I've read a little about using a sleeve to make a new perfect surface, but is that even my issue!?
-Can I just put a bunch of elmers glue in it (kidding)?
-Could my oversized tires be a root cause?
-Am I just stupid and simply installing the seal wrong somehow?
Appreciate any feedback or suggestions on what to try next...
-Eric in Portland
I've got a pretty solid 255k 1991 FJ80, tires, brush guard & winch etc entry level trail ready ..... but a few years back I did crack the spider gear in my front diff and ended up having a shop replace the whole front end. Everything was great.
Since then, I had my front right axle seal start leaking and despite my best efforts I can't get it to stop. By the time I got around to installing maybe my 3rd axle seal, assuming i'd been simply doing something wrong, I noticed the axle itself where it spun on the seal had the obvious signs of wear. Assuming at that point the axle shaft had been worn enough that it couldn't seal properly and clearly that was my issue, I replaced it. I bought a front right axle shaft (used) with less visual wear and best I could tell (visually and with straight edge) to be in highly serviceable shape.
That didn't fix it. I replaced the seal when I put in the axle, but she still leaks. I just hate the mess and I'm in my head about running low on gear oil and ruining my diff again..
What else can I try?
-I've read a little about using a sleeve to make a new perfect surface, but is that even my issue!?
-Can I just put a bunch of elmers glue in it (kidding)?
-Could my oversized tires be a root cause?
-Am I just stupid and simply installing the seal wrong somehow?
Appreciate any feedback or suggestions on what to try next...
-Eric in Portland