After a visit to the desert this weekend I noticed that one of the front axle dust seals had popped out of the axle tube.
I'm not losing any oil at this point but since I don't have time for the next two weekends do we think I can run the truck for a while before the hub needs stripping down and a new set of seals are pressed in?
It's not possible to press the seal back into place with out stripping the hub down so I have pressed it hard against the case and used a zip tie around the stub shaft to stop it coming out again.
This is obviously a temporary solution until I can source the right parts etc.

How long do the seals last without this secondary dust seal? I'm driving in sand so don't expect miracles.

Thx.

 

What year truck?

This is for the 05 and up I believe.


.

 

I don't think you have anything to worry about. It's common to have the dust seals fall out and just ride along on the axle shafts, and I've never heard of any damage as a result. The oil seals are on either side of the differential, so any contaminants have quite a ways to go before they even reach the seal.

I wouldn't worry about it until it's time to service the balljoints or U-joints.

 

Thanks guys...thats re-assuring since I really don't have time to source the parts here in the UAE right now.

I already tracked down that video clip...next step is to find those 'new era' seals that I've heard about.
Mines an 05' 350....

Thx chaps.

D.

 

The dust seal is not that bad. It's a BRS-170

In order to get at that seal you need to remove the wheel, brakes, hub/bearing, and the knuckle seal. Then the axle will come out and you can replace the seal.

The tools you will need are, a good pair of snap ring pliers, the knuckle seal installer, and some standard hand tools . I also have a method of getting the knuckle seal out.

I was able to save the knuckle seal, but you may want to replace the hub/bearing O ring and the hub gasket.

.