Bad axle seals?

[Cody51]

I’m in the process of swapping to disc brakes and while everything was tore down I wanted to clean the axle tubes and check the seals. My question is are these good seals? Or do they need to be changed? They look good to me but I’m a novice at all this.

Appreciate it!

Cody

 

[DirtDonk]

Well I never go by looks alone in the case of seals.
If they weren’t leaking before you pulled it apart they are good. But that’s a moot point because if you have your differential completely disassembled it makes absolutely zero sense to not go that last step and change the seals.
Especially since you’re going to be cleaning the tubes.

I know, I hate to toss out something that was perfectly good too. But I would never chance a leak after it’s all put back together with an old tired seal and have to pull it all apart again.

 

[Cody51]

Thanks for the input! You’re right..I should just change them.

 

[DirtDonk]

One way to test the new ones would be to slide them over the axles before installation.
Put a little oil on them and the axle shafts and gently slide over to make sure they are reasonably tight fit.
If the axles have small wear grooves, smooth them out with some 400-grit or similar sandpaper. If they are deep then you should replace the axles.
Or use repair sleeves.
Again though, if they weren’t leaking then there probably are not deep grooves worn into the shaft.
But it’s still a good thing to check and make note of before putting it all together.

 

[kat]

Always change seals/wheel bearings/races when ever you open up the rear end or front. My dad used to tell me if you don't have time the first time to do it right, what makes you think you will have time the second time

 

[jamesroney]

Always change seals/wheel bearings/races when ever you open up the rear end or front. My dad used to tell me if you don't have time the first time to do it right, what makes you think you will have time the second time

Where is it documented that a new bearing or seal is superior to a good used bearing or seal?

My dad used to tell me the same thing. Along with "any job worth doing is worth doing right." But he never bothered to explain exactly what "right" meant.

I have come to learn that "right" means different things to him that to me. (If we were spending his money, the right thing suddenly was much more lenient!) But for me, a good used bearing is every bit as good as a new one. And a good used neoprene lip seal is just as good as a new one. But it's really hard to clean an old seal without damaging it. And YES, I have re-installed used rear main seals too. Not so proud of that, but yeah.

As stated above, you cannot tell if a seal is good by looking at it. but I can tell if a seal is good by touching it. And if I determine that it is good...I will run it.

Let me assure you that there is no shortage of 9 inch Ford rear ends that are running a used pinion pocket bearing. And I've never seen anyone service the bronze spindle bushing on a Dana 25.

If I'm @Cody51 I'd change them. (unless I needed to drive that thing tomorrow, and I didn't have new ones.)