Replacing an axle seal??

[ZookBronc]

Does anyone have any tech articles on replacing an axle seal. The more the merrier. I have stock axles and housing....if that makes a difference.

 

[Smedley]

This tech article will get you started.

http://classicbroncos.com/rear_axle_removal.shtml

The seal it self is pretty easy to pull....especially if you have a seal puller. When you put the new one in, you need to make sure it goes in straight and all the way against the axle housing. Try to find something of similiar diameter to tap it in evenly.

Hope this helps.

Will

 

[ZookBronc]

Smedley, I am assuming that i have to have to have a seal puller?? Any seals better than others?

 

[Smedley]

I used whatever they gave me napa......haven't had any problems.

Will

 

[Smedley]

You can get it out with a screw driver and pliers. the seal puller is just a bit easier. Autozone loans them.

Will

 

[ZookBronc]

Any other little tricks? Does the whole axle pull out? Do i need to mark the axle and match up the splines when i put it back in? Can I get the seals from autozone as well?

 

[TJK74]

Any other little tricks? Does the whole axle pull out? Do i need to mark the axle and match up the splines when i put it back in? Can I get the seals from autozone as well?

The Whole axle will pull out but you may need a slide hammer to help it along. Sometimes the axles get a but rusted together where the bearing rest in the housing. No need to worry about marking the axle I never have and have never had a problem. One thing when you slide the axle back in with the new seal do not let the axle rest on the new seal when you slide it in. Hold it up and centered till you get the splines in and the bearing seated back in the housing.

 

[ZookBronc]

This sounds pretty straight forward.
Where is the best place to get the seals? And is there only one per side??

 

[Smedley]

The tech article explains pulling the axle pretty well. Using the drum as the slide hammer works....but the slide hammer worked well for me. Again autozone loaner. and autozone should have the seal.

Will

 

[TJK74]

Yep the is just one per side. Your local auto parts store should have them. Napa, autozone or what ever works. There are a pretty basic and straight forward type of seal. You'll see what I mean when you pull them.

 

[ZookBronc]

Will the fluid leak out and can or should i replace the wheel bearings at this point?

 

[ElJefe]

If you jack one side at a time up onto a jackstand and leave the other wheel on the ground, there won't be any fluid that leaks out.

It should be pretty obvious if the bearings need to be replaced. My bearings were shot and there was about 3/16" of endplay in the bearings the last time I had the axles out. A new bearing will have nearly no endplay.

~Chris