I've needed to replace my axles for a while now because of torn CV boots. I debated on whether or not to replace the axle seals while I was at it. Through searching, it seems like lot of people have a very hard time getting the seals to go in straight. I was leaning towards not replacing the seals, but a couple of mechanic friends said it would be wise to. I really wish I had gone with my gut feeling, especially after seeing the old seals didn't look that bad.

Well, I've tried sockets, PVC pipe, and just tapping around the edge of the driver's side seal. The closest I've gotten it to go in straight was by just tapping around the edge. But after 2-3 hours, no luck. I imagine the passenger side seal will be even worse with less room to work.

Hopefully someone has some other ideas that might work. At least I've got the next 3 days to work on it.

 

Wait.. I dont get it.. Are you sure the area is clean and you got all of the rest of the seal off? That doesnt sound right. When I did my axles and seals, the seals slipped right in...

 

Mishmosh suggested using seals from Napa as they're easier to put in; I'm trying to put in Nissan seals. Off to Napa to see if they can get them in today...

 

I used the old seals and the 36mm socket to pound the new ones in. The old seals fit over/around the new seals perfectly. Basically pop the old seal out, then place the new one where it goes (in the correct direction). Then place the old seal over the new one (i think you have to flip the old one around so it fits over the new one). Then place the 36mm socket over the old seal. Then hit the socket with a mallet. It worked for me. I think I placed both old seals on top of each other (then the the socket) for the passangers side.

 

Thanks for the advice, Jon. I'll remember that in case my Napa seals crap out. I got Napa part #s 13005 and 15372 (they had trouble looking them up, their books only show them fitting up to a 97). They went in without a problem, but that makes me think they may not seal as well. Hopefully they'll hold up.

So, my car is back together with new axle seals, axles, steering arm boots (one was cracked), and my second set of ES lower control arm bushings. One bushing on each control arm had the lip torn off (maybe I didn't install them properly the first time?) which caused a pretty bad squeaking sound.

The only thing that kinda pisses me off is that I found out one of my recently replaced wheel bearings is bad again. I needed to go ahead and get the car back together, though. Oh well, it will have to come apart again. Working on my car got really old this time, I think because my attention has been more focused on the motorcycle I just got instead of my car.