Diff fluid leaking from rear tire

vtboy51 · Sep 20, 2017

I'm assuming one of my rear axle seals is shot, causing diff fluid to leak out from the tire area. Question is, what parts should I replace when I'm in there? Are there inner and outer seals like my Dana 30 front end? When I did the front axle seals I replaced those and the wheel bearings, u joints, etc..

Apogee · Sep 20, 2017

There is just one outer oil seal, located directly inboard of the axle bearing. Plan on changing both axle bearings and seals if you don't know the last time they were changed.

Justafordguy · Sep 20, 2017

X2, If the seal is leaking chances are the bearings are bad. Do yourself a favor and change both seals and bearings.

blubuckaroo · Sep 20, 2017

A lot of rigs have seen deep water, and haven't been maintained properly.

If you don't have the service records on the car, you should take the opportunity to do a good inspection of the complete rear end.
Since the axles are already out, you can inspect the axle bearings, and drop the differential out to inspect it and clean out the housing.

This is one of the easiest cars to do this work on. Anyone who owns one of these old cars should be able to do it.

You should be able to tell right away if the pervious owner has taken care of it.
Heck, the bearings might even be just fine.
A leaky seal doesn'the meant he bearings are bad.

ledslinger29 · Sep 20, 2017

Make sure you don't have a leaky wheel cylinder.

half cab · Sep 20, 2017

Smell of it. That should tell you the culprit.

spap · Sep 20, 2017

Ah the smell of old gear oil, you never forget that one.

Apogee · Sep 20, 2017

spap said:
Ah the smell of old gear oil, you never forget that one.

It's an acquired taste...

jmangi62 · Sep 20, 2017

WOW! I just went thru this with my 70, saw diff fluid on the pass rear tire, pulled out the old original shafts and they were gouged pretty good, so ordered new axle shafts and seals from WildHorses, and love the fact that the bearings are already pressed on so its a easy install. So now everything is good, new gears, axles, brakes, driveshaft etc. Jim

vtboy51 · Sep 20, 2017

Do I need to remove the drum brake assemble or can I get to the bolts with it in place?

Rustytruck · Sep 20, 2017

If you have the stock axle shafts there is a hole in the flange to get to the axle retaining bolts. If you have aftermarket axles there is no straight access to the axle shaft retaining bolts. There is a gasket between the axle retaining plate and the axle bearing that has to be put on before you install the axle bearing.

vtboy51 · Sep 20, 2017

Ok I've got the nuts off, now should the axle slide out?? I've been banging on it, but it's an odd spot given the drum assemble is in the way. I just want to be sure no other bolts are holding the axle in place.

langester · Sep 20, 2017

You can turn your brake drum around and put it back on the axle shaft, put the lug nuts on a little ways and use it like a slide hammer. The bearings may be a little tight in the housing making it hard to pull the shafts out.

Diff fluid leaking from rear tire

vtboy51

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Apogee

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Justafordguy

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blubuckaroo

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ledslinger29

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half cab

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spap

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Apogee

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jmangi62

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vtboy51

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Rustytruck

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vtboy51

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langester

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