Rear axle seal replacement..

[Madgyver]

I know I did it before. I need to refresh my memory, not sure if I cut out the retainer or I just pressed it off. I just redid my 9" d-locker and new gear install and then I find passenger end of housing leaking.
What's the easy way?

 

[Apogee]

Do you have SET20 tapered roller bearings with the external seals, hence the question about bearing removal? If so, I cold chisel the retainer collar, then press off the bearings...trying to do both at the same time with the press requires scary high force and increases the wear on the axles where the bearings and retainers seat.

If you've got the sealed ball bearings with the separate internal axle seals, then there's no need to remove the bearings to swap the seals, but I'm sure you know that. If you have the aftermarket sealed ball bearings with the o-ring in the outer race intended to be run without internal seals, then same method as the SET20's, just different parts.

 

[Madgyver]

This is what I have..

I remember cracking the retainer off before, probably to replace a bearing..

 

[Apogee]

You got it, you need to pull the bearings to replace the seals, so same process. I wouldn't replace the seals without replacing the bearings at the same time since you're there.

The seals are inexpensive, but the bearings are kinda spendy at ~$25 each. Rockauto has some seals on closeout for $.69 each...there were 12 left last I checked. Otherwise, you're looking at about $5 to $8 for an SKF #18881 seal or equivalent.

 

[Madgyver]

Doing this again..!
Funny thing is I did a google search for the seals and it brings me to my own post.. lol