front axle seal inside dif?
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front axle seal inside dif?
I am replacing u joints, brakes, tie rods, and ball joints on my truck. In the midst of the process I have come to understand that there should be rubber seals on either side of the u joint knuckles... I have the outer seal part number as it is part of the spindle assembly, but if anyone has replaced these PLEASE send me the part number for the seal on the axle housing side (inside end of u joint knuckle)
Anyway, when I pulled out the axle on the driver side it was all gunked up. When I looked into the axle housing I could see all the way into the differential and see gears etc... My question is - is there supposed to be a seal at the inside end of the axle housing right before the differential? If so, is it necessary? If so, what is the part number and how do you install it? Sorry for the OCD details...
Please help me get this damn thing back on the road!!!
Anyway, when I pulled out the axle on the driver side it was all gunked up. When I looked into the axle housing I could see all the way into the differential and see gears etc... My question is - is there supposed to be a seal at the inside end of the axle housing right before the differential? If so, is it necessary? If so, what is the part number and how do you install it? Sorry for the OCD details...
Please help me get this damn thing back on the road!!!
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Charles Town, W bygod Va
I'm assuming you are working on a Dana 60 on the f350 in your sig. If it is leaking gear oil you need to remove the diff cover and the ring gear/ carrier says and replace the seal from inside the diff housing.
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The problem is that when I look through the axle housing I am seeing a bunch of gunk in the housing and then the actual gears in the 4x4 transfer case? Differential? I don't know the proper term - I don't know what front end I have, but I don't see fluid or a seal that would keep dirt out.
That is where I think the problem is, but I can't find a diagram of it to be sure. I understand that there is a seal for the end of the axle housing where the knuckle is, but what I want to know is if there is a seal at the differential at the inner side of the axle housing to hold in fluid and keep dirt out.
That is where I think the problem is, but I can't find a diagram of it to be sure. I understand that there is a seal for the end of the axle housing where the knuckle is, but what I want to know is if there is a seal at the differential at the inner side of the axle housing to hold in fluid and keep dirt out.
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Okay, so I found a diagram on ALLDATAdiy.com of the front differential... I am seeing a seal on the driver side of the diff.,
http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldatadiy...28097/57472899
http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldatadiy...28097/57472899
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Okay, so upon closer inspection I can see a seal inside the axle housing near the differential... Here's what I'm seeing...
So, it looks like the seal is there, but I could still use some help on how to clean that gunk out? FYI I do not have a welder to fab something.
So, it looks like the seal is there, but I could still use some help on how to clean that gunk out? FYI I do not have a welder to fab something.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2010
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From: Surrey, BC, Canada
Wow that is rough, assuming your not going to pull the axle and clean it out properly. I would remove the carrier completely (And put paper towel/rag in the other end of the axle tube to keep it dry) and head down to a local home hardware store and head to the plumbing isle and find a wire brush or something similar that can get in there and shove it through either with a snake like device or cheaper yet a broom handle. Lots of paint thinner or part cleaner fluid as well. Then clean THE EVER LIVING **** out of your diff carrier when your done.
Then when you are done get the proper seal that goes right on the end there so you don't have to do this job again.
Then when you are done get the proper seal that goes right on the end there so you don't have to do this job again.
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Post Fiend
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From: Charles Town, W bygod Va
It looks like that because the seal is leaking. They are a pita to replace. If you want to clean it out and not replace the seal a shop vac and a piece of about 1" conduit might work. Nothing in the front diff should be turning anyway with the transfer case in 2wd and hubs unlocked. If you beel like replacing the seal, remove both axles, the diff cover and the center section of the diff to access the seals.
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Great, thanks for the tips... I tried to loosen some of the dirt and ended up getting some grit into the carrier. I removed the cover and sprayed the affected areas with brake clean, put a liquid gasket back on and put the diff cover back on... I didn't realize the mess was caused by that seal leaking. Wish I would have thought of that before resealing everything....... damnit.
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From: Colorado
There are several ways to install an inner axle seal. One way is to use a long rod inserted through the opposite axle tube and a washer or large socket on the end of the rod. Simply drive the seal into place with the socket or washer by hammering the end of the rod. Sounds easy...not so much. You can also drive the seal into place with a small hammer from the inside of the diff housing. Sounds easy...also not so much. Another option is to use a Dana 60 inner axle seal installer. Either beg borrow or rent one. This is really the easy way to install the seal without damage. Before replacing the seal, inspect the axle shaft for pitting or damage. A new seal will not seal if the axle is pitted or damaged. A sleeve can be purchased to fit over the pitted axle to allow the seal to actually seal. Sleeve cost is a bit high, I think around $50. I have purchased sleeves and inner axle seals from my local CARQUEST.
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From: Hamburg, IL
I just got done gutting a 94 ball joint dana 60 and completely rebuilding it. Honestly your best bet is to pull the differential carrier and clean the housing , tubes, and replace the seals... I went with the best motor crafts from rock auto so I wouldn't have to do it again... Just place both caps and races back on just the way they came off and torque it back to factory spec, you'll be fine. This is no dust seal / oil seal for these year of dana 60's that goes on the outer end of the axle shaft and the end of the tube... Their is however a dust seal that press's up against the grease seal on the back side of the spindle bearing.... I tried every axle seal off a 99 and newer super duty , trying to find one to fit on the tube end of the axle and none are close to even fitting. That way if the inner's did ever fail, the outer would catch the oil and hence keep the trash out of the housing... But none will fit.
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I tried every axle seal off a 99 and newer super duty , trying to find one to fit on the tube end of the axle and none are close to even fitting. That way if the inner's did ever fail, the outer would catch the oil and hence keep the trash out of the housing... But none will fit.
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