Axle Seals
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Axle Seals
I have a 99 and I took the truck to have the front end aligned. I was told by the mechanic that the tie rod ends needed to be replaced and that the driver side axle seal was leaking. I bought the parts and today replaced the rod ends. I also viewed the leaking axle seal. My understanding is that the seal is actually a dust seal and no oil flows into the tube. Correct me if I'm wrong.
If the seal is used to keep dust out and I have gear oil leaking out, then I'd assume that the front diff is over filled.
Would appreciate some input here. The job is done, new seals and new rod ends and back to the alignment shop.
Thanks
Jeff
If the seal is used to keep dust out and I have gear oil leaking out, then I'd assume that the front diff is over filled.
Would appreciate some input here. The job is done, new seals and new rod ends and back to the alignment shop.
Thanks
Jeff
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,712
Likes: 107
From: BoCoMo
I have a 99 and I took the truck to have the front end aligned. I was told by the mechanic that the tie rod ends needed to be replaced and that the driver side axle seal was leaking. I bought the parts and today replaced the rod ends. I also viewed the leaking axle seal. My understanding is that the seal is actually a dust seal and no oil flows into the tube. Correct me if I'm wrong.
If the seal is used to keep dust out and I have gear oil leaking out, then I'd assume that the front diff is over filled.
Would appreciate some input here. The job is done, new seals and new rod ends and back to the alignment shop.
Thanks
Jeff
If the seal is used to keep dust out and I have gear oil leaking out, then I'd assume that the front diff is over filled.
Would appreciate some input here. The job is done, new seals and new rod ends and back to the alignment shop.
Thanks
Jeff
dust covers will be on the very inside by the front axles. They will fall out.... mine fell out 7-8 years ago. I don't worry about it at all.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 6
From: Marseilles IL
The front axle has two seals for the tubes. There is one inboard right next to the ring and pinion that holds the fluid in the differential. Then there is one out on the end of the tube that only keeps mud and dirt out of the tubes to help protect the inner seals. If you have oil coming out the end of the axle tube then your inner seal is most likely bad. You can also check your axle vent hose and make sure it isn't clogged. If it clogs ,your differential gets warm and gets pressurized and it will force oil out the seals. In that case your seals may be ok after you unclogging your vent.
Senior User
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 454
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From: Portland, OR
You are correct. Those boots just inside the u joints are just dust seals, the interior of the axle tubes on the Dana 60 should be dry. If you have diff oil coming out, that means the inner seal is damaged, requiring replacement.
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 15,014
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From: Semper Fi tell I die!
the old solid axle trucks made it many miles and never had the outer dust boots. i would just leave them off, and do the inner seals. they aint to bad, you have to pull the axle shafts and the carrier then you can pull the old ones and presss the new ones in from inside the pumpkin with a piece of threaded rod and some nuts and big washers.
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 15,014
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From: Semper Fi tell I die!
quick and dirty description
jack up front axle, put on jackstands, remove tires.
remove calipers, rotors, hubs, and spindles.
remove axle shafts from both sides.
remove front diff cover.
remove carrier from differential housing
pry old seals out from inside wiht prybar, or use a piece of chainlink fence pipe and pound them out from the ouside axle tubes.
reinstall new seals, drive them in with a socket and the side of a 2lb sledge or the threaded rod with large washer socket method.
put all back togeather
i would blow the axle tubes out from the inside the pumpkin also with a air hose to get the dust and dirt out before reinstalling carrier.
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Thanks b-uno for the quick and dirty on the procedure. Should the weather hold I'll be starting the task next week.
jeff
jeff
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Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Glen Rose,Texas
I have replaced these inner seals and with the right press you can make it an easy job.The wrong press will cause you alot of headache because the seals will want to go in crooked and then you may screw one up...I know,I did.I bought the inner seals from Ford.
When you get the pumpkin gears out I would put a plastic bag over it and put it on ice.This will make it easier to slide it back in after you have installed the seals.
This will get ya started:
2004 F250 Ball Joint Replacement
This is for a OBS but will be the same concept
1997 Ford F350 Axle Repair - Seal Repair - Diesel Power Magazine
When you get the pumpkin gears out I would put a plastic bag over it and put it on ice.This will make it easier to slide it back in after you have installed the seals.
This will get ya started:
2004 F250 Ball Joint Replacement
This is for a OBS but will be the same concept
1997 Ford F350 Axle Repair - Seal Repair - Diesel Power Magazine
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 898
Likes: 23
From: Tucson
I did my inner seals a couple months back and used this link as my guide.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=921706&styleid=19
I highly advise putting the carrier in the freezer while doing the inner seals so it will go in easier. You'll need a helper to help catch the carrier once you pry it out.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=921706&styleid=19
I highly advise putting the carrier in the freezer while doing the inner seals so it will go in easier. You'll need a helper to help catch the carrier once you pry it out.
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