Rear Wheel Seal

[n10ec]

Hi All -
Can anyone provide me with the correct product number from Napa (or others) for a rear wheel seal for my 77? I was inspecting the drum brakes as they felt like they were sticking during stop and then go. There was A LOT of oil all over the place coming from the axle. I assume the problem is the seal? I think I will need a slide hammer to remove...any thing I should be aware of when replacing?

Thanks.

 

[Rox Crusher]

GVWR is based on more than just bearing size. Spring rates and tire size also factors in. That's why there were different GVW ratings in '77 but only one bearing/seal size.

The correct seal is #51098. The correct bearing is #514003.

My biggest advice would be to make sure you use a seal driver to install the seal.

The first time I did it I "improvised" and ended up damaging the seal which started leaking soon after re-assembly.

I hate doing things twice.

 

[Heus33]

Is it gear oil or break fluid? Easy to tell by smell. Fishy smell = gear oil.

Could be a rear wheel cylinder - if break pedal is mushy...

 

[Bartonatl]

I bought my axle seals at NAPA and one soon leaked. I had to tear down my 3rd member last weekend so I went ahead and ordered three new seals from one of the vendors and they seemed to be a little beefier. I went ahead and replaced both axle seals. Always , always buy an extra because they are easy to screw up during installation.
Also, apply RTV that resists axle lube and let cure for at least a day.
To take out the old ones, just use a small screw driver to deform the old seal and it will come right out. When putting in the new seal, I used the old seal as a plate, then the large end of a bat and a sledge hammer. The key is to tap the seal in with equal pressure all the way around the seal. They bend super easy.