Ok guys, ive searched and i couldnt really find the answer to my question. My second axle seal is leaking and i need to know how far in the axle seal is supposed to go. It is the drivers side seal and i replaced it about a month ago and its leakin again. thus leads me to believe i didnt push it in far enough? possible? im not sure, probably gonna grab a new axle seal and try it again but im not sure how FAR to push the seal in.

 

Well you didn't say, but if you are 5-speed then your diff bearings could be the problem. A hundred seals later and it will still leak, without replacing the bearings.

 

The surface of the axle that the seal seals against tapers slightly at some point, so if you push the seal in too far you get to the point where the seal doesn't seal tightly around the axle.


the surface of the seal should be pretty close to flush with the hole it goes into.

there are a million other things that could be causing this problem though. bad diff bearings is one. a big gouge in the axle hole that the seal goes into could be another, etc.

 

yea its a 5 speed...how could i trouble shoot the diff bearings? and does the tranny have to be taken out to replace em? or can i do it just like the seal?

 

ok, was lookin at the axle and with it installed and all secure, i can still move the hub in and out of the axle housing about 1/4 in. or so. bascially it has play moving in and out of the trans. is this a sign of what is causing my leak?

 

Is the diff inside the tranny moving with it when you pullon the axle? If so, your tranny needs a rebuild, pronto. Lift it up/down, how far does it move?

If it's just the axle stub sliding in/out, the axle isn't properly locked into the diff yet.

 

ok, well replaced the seal and waitin on it to see if it still leaks. otherwise, everyone has said to use a screwdriver or seal removal tool to get the god-awful seals out. well...wut i did was went to farm and fleet (local hardware store) and in the plumbing aisle they have the exact size plumbing fitting that will fit around the outside diameter of the seal without damaging the 1/4 in. raised rubber dust shield deal. well, this fitting is tapered and allows you to push the old seal inwards at an angle and it pops right out. took me all of 5 min, and that included buying the pvc fitting. it works wonders for puttin in the new seal as well, it will securely hold the new seal and you can push it in the trans and tap on it to make it level with the housing. worked wonders for $.89