Front Axle Inner Oil Seal

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TLC80User

TLC80User

Joined
Nov 28, 2023
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Location
Granada, Spain
I am about to replace the front axle, inner oil seal left side AGAIN.
Any recommendations on how to prevent this leaking again would be welcome.

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I am not 100 percent sure this is your issue or even the seal you are referring to, but---

I have seen people say that they drive the new seal deeper into the axle housing-- so the new seal doesn't ride on the same location on the axle shaft as the old seal did. With the idea that the new seal will seal better in the new location because the axle isn't going to be worn down at that location.

Someone else would be able to tell you how far to drive it in.

Wits End used to sell a seal driver designed to do this. Maybe someone else is selling one now?
 
sjpitts said:
I am not 100 percent sure this is your issue or even the seal you are referring to, but---

I have seen people say that they drive the new seal deeper into the axle housing-- so the new seal doesn't ride on the same location on the axle shaft as the old seal did. With the idea that the new seal will seal better in the new location because the axle isn't going to be worn down at that location.

Someone else would be able to tell you how far to drive it in.

Wits End used to sell a seal driver designed to do this. Maybe someone else is selling one now?
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Thank you for such a quick response. I'll follow that up.
 
How do the seal surfaces on your inner axles look? Any visible wear or grooves?
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Check your knuckle nuts as well. If your lower knuckle nuts/studs are backing out the axle will ride higher than it should and not be centered in the seal, causing a leak. I've had this happen twice. The FSM procedure for installation/tightening of these studs and nuts is inadequate if you are running oversize tires, in my experience. Some strategically placed Loctite has far held them in place, so far.
 
If you have grooves on the axle shaft Speedi-sleeve 99139 can be installed so that you do not have to replace the axle shaft. I have >5000 miles on a pair without any gear oil leakage past the inner axle seal.
 
There is that very thin coil spring that encircles the back/inner side of the seal. That can get knocked off during the installation procedure. I did this once and had a slow leak that I just put up with for a while until I drained the diff one day and that spring was left dangly through the drain hole. Replaced the seal and no more leak.
 
baldilocks said:
There is that very thin coil spring that encircles the back/inner side of the seal. That can get knocked off during the installation procedure. I did this once and had a slow leak that I just put up with for a while until I drained the diff one day and that spring was left dangly through the drain hole. Replaced the seal and no more leak.
Click to expand...
I always pack a little grease in the back of any seal with a spring in it to keep it from getting knocked out when driving the seal in.
 
sbman said:
Check your knuckle nuts as well. If your lower knuckle nuts/studs are backing out the axle will ride higher than it should and not be centered in the seal, causing a leak. I've had this happen twice. The FSM procedure for installation/tightening of these studs and nuts is inadequate if you are running oversize tires, in my experience. Some strategically placed Loctite has far held them in place, so far.
Click to expand...
That is a great tip well worth checking. Many Thanks.
 
I'm going down this Same Debacle on same Drivers Side.
Axle had a ever Slight Groove - that would just catch a Fingernail.
I had axle welded up and turned back down to OEM Diameter.
Was $75 at a Place that Repairs Motors.
Outer Shaft was Separated from Inner Shaft Using a Piece of Hvy PVC.
 
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