Recently Rebuilt front axle, inner seal leaking again

[FloridaFJ80]

So I rebuilt my front axle a month or so ago, and yesterday I looked at my DS birf and its wet, like I hadnt done anything. Seems the seal broke. What did I do wrong? I followed the FSM and the FAQ thread to a T. So if I have to replace the seal, what else would I have to replace?

 

[stu8319]

When you installed it, did you use the actual seal installer or something similar? I know I've installed circular seals like that before by tapping around it until it's seated and they leaked after. It has to be evenly tapped in.

 

[FloridaFJ80]

That probably exactly what happened. I didnt use a seal installer. But will this time..

 

[LFD2037]

Toyota or Marlin seal? All you'll have to replace is the seal & grease.

 

[quasi]

when you're in there, check the condition of the axle shaft where the seal rides, a deep groove can cause a leak. you can clean up some grooves with fine sandpaper

 

[kbahus]

Also for extra insurance ditch the front breather valve assembly and extend the line into the engine bay.

 

[Chester]

^^ what he said^^
if you did the rebuild right, this is probably the problem.

 

[LandCruisinMy93]

I agree on the front breather, I would remove the elbow and carb clean it out also. Mine was gummed up when I bought it, congealed gear oil and dirt. Led me to tear down my whole axle to ensure that he problem wasn't worse, luckily it wasn't. I have not had a leaky seal after rebuilds on 2 separate axles and I don't use a seal installer, just a giant socket that is the same diameter, I put the back of the socket against the seal sand run an extension down inside the socket to give me a hammering point, works great. I would check for the grooving as mentioned, that's what marlins seals are made for, they move the sealing lip so it doesn't on the groove that is fairly common.

 

[dbrooks]

Same boat as the original poster (FloridaFJ80). I replaced the seal about a year ago...started leaking again two days ago. Will try a seal istaller this time. The axle seems fine (no groove). One thing I did notice is that 2 of the 4 bolts on the underside of the housing are...well, missing. And the two that are there are of differing styles!

 

[scrowley]

is the ball wet with grease or just oil? Usually they will leak a bit of grease past the wiper on the knuckle ball. I don't use a seal installer either and don't have any problems. Just use a large socket and extension.

Another note is to pack the back of the seal where the spring is to ensure the spring stays in and helps the seal not get damaged/deformed on install

 

[Patty Whack]

Anyone have toyota PN for this seal? same problem, have trouble getting parts here quickly.

 

[Traakon]

90310-35010

Just put mine in yesterday. Trying to get my axle rebuild done for new interior to start
this next week

 

[Traakon]

Oh, BTW...spend the 35 bucks and get the seal/race driver set from Harbor Freight...really worth every penny.

 

[duggy]

View attachment 879792
Same boat as the original poster (FloridaFJ80). I replaced the seal about a year ago...started leaking again two days ago. Will try a seal istaller this time. The axle seems fine (no groove). One thing I did notice is that 2 of the 4 bolts on the underside of the housing are...well, missing. And the two that are there are of differing styles!

This is because your lower trunion was not properly seated. If this happens it will leak also.

 

[dogfishlake]

If you don't have the marlin seals and have the axle groove, you can grind the edge of the seal down to make it seat farther in on the axle shaft. Worked great for me. I already had the kit from cruiser outfitters

 

[NLXTACY]

If you don't have the marlin seals and have the axle groove, you can grind the edge of the seal down to make it seat farther in on the axle shaft. Worked great for me. I already had the kit from cruiser outfitters View attachment 1132305

Holy crap!!! I wondered if that would work.

 

[Patty Whack]

Bueno - Thanks. Dont even have a china freight here. gotsta order everyting...

 

[dogfishlake]

Holy crap!!! I wondered if that would work.

Yeah it has been a year and working great. The seals drove in with no problems, didn't seem to be overly weakened

 

[SUMMIT CRUISERS]

If you have grooves in the axle shafts, you can also not seat them fully in. That will allow your seal to set on a smooth part of your axle about 1/8" out of original placement. This has worked for me.