D44 Axle Seals
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D44 Axle Seals
First, thanks to those that helped with getting the hubs off:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-this-hub.html
Before I paint the axle, I was going to replace all seals/hub bearings/u-joints. I have the info to replace the seals and was initially surprised to see that this axle has seals on the carrier end of the tubes, not the outer ends.
I was looking at it and started wondering if its worth looking up a seal that would fit the outer end of the tube, mainly to keep most of the crud out of the tube. I would of course still install the inner seals for oil control, was just thinking if adding a set of outer seals would be of any benefit.
Is it worth messing with? thanks.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-this-hub.html
Before I paint the axle, I was going to replace all seals/hub bearings/u-joints. I have the info to replace the seals and was initially surprised to see that this axle has seals on the carrier end of the tubes, not the outer ends.
I was looking at it and started wondering if its worth looking up a seal that would fit the outer end of the tube, mainly to keep most of the crud out of the tube. I would of course still install the inner seals for oil control, was just thinking if adding a set of outer seals would be of any benefit.
Is it worth messing with? thanks.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
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I'm going to measure the ID of the tube end and the OD of the axle shaft at that point, then look up appropriate National oil seal that might fit. I know that care has to be taken when re-installing the axle to avoid distorting the seal since it is held and centered by the caliper bracket and hub.
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Just some more info in case this is of any interest.
I measured the axle shaft at the tube end and also the ID of the tube end.
I found that the tube end ID is not exactly round, something like a variance from 1.60" to 1.77". I was careful to clean it well so I wasn't measuring dirt. I guess the factory wasn't worried about exact since they were not installing a seal.
Anyway, since its apart and getting cleaned regardless, I may look at cleaning up the ID a bit to try to get it closer to a uniform dimension. I still like the idea of an outer tube seal, especially after seeing the crud that's in there.
I also thought about condensation or any water that may get in there between the inner and outer axle tube seals. It may be feasible to drill a small hole in the bottom of the metal frame of the outer seal to allow for some drainage. Main goal is to keep dirt and sand out, not too worried about filling with water.
Some some thinkin out loud
I measured the axle shaft at the tube end and also the ID of the tube end.
I found that the tube end ID is not exactly round, something like a variance from 1.60" to 1.77". I was careful to clean it well so I wasn't measuring dirt. I guess the factory wasn't worried about exact since they were not installing a seal.
Anyway, since its apart and getting cleaned regardless, I may look at cleaning up the ID a bit to try to get it closer to a uniform dimension. I still like the idea of an outer tube seal, especially after seeing the crud that's in there.
I also thought about condensation or any water that may get in there between the inner and outer axle tube seals. It may be feasible to drill a small hole in the bottom of the metal frame of the outer seal to allow for some drainage. Main goal is to keep dirt and sand out, not too worried about filling with water.
Some some thinkin out loud
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Joined: Nov 2010
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Its pretty easy to find the correct seal online, but I wanted to ensure a consistent ID to the end of the axle tube. I'll probably open them up a tiny bit to get them even. The goal was not to seal watertight but just to provide something to hopefully stop most of the crud from getting into the tube and eventually to the inner seals.
Right now I'm focused on getting the frame and related parts painted but this will be my next stop since I'll be doing the axles next.
Right now I'm focused on getting the frame and related parts painted but this will be my next stop since I'll be doing the axles next.
