Knuckle Seal Tool
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: La Porte, TX
Knuckle Seal Tool
What tool are yall using to put the knuckle seal on the axle and to put the axle back in the knuckle? Also how far do you know to go with the axle? Do you push it in till it stops or is there a certain depth.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,413
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From: Columbia, MO
I would suggest going to the dealer and see if they will install it for you, or let you borrow their tool. I built a tool, like clux mentioned, and it worked fine on one side, but I destroyed 2 different seals on the other side before I finally went to the dealer and hand them correctly install a third seal. And at $30+ a piece for them, it ended up costing me.
The seal only goes on so far, and will stop when it get's set in place. When you're putting it back in the knuckle, just lightly grease up the outside of the seal and the inside of the knuckle, and it should slide in place. Just push it in until it stops, as the axle will bottom out in the diff. If it has trouble going in, push it in as far as it will go, then set the hub in place and start tightening the nuts on the back side of it. Just be sure to do it evenly, so the seal goes in straight. Using the hub to push the seal in place is what I had to do on at least one side.
Any other questions, just ask. I just replaced all the seals on the front axles a few months ago.
The seal only goes on so far, and will stop when it get's set in place. When you're putting it back in the knuckle, just lightly grease up the outside of the seal and the inside of the knuckle, and it should slide in place. Just push it in until it stops, as the axle will bottom out in the diff. If it has trouble going in, push it in as far as it will go, then set the hub in place and start tightening the nuts on the back side of it. Just be sure to do it evenly, so the seal goes in straight. Using the hub to push the seal in place is what I had to do on at least one side.
Any other questions, just ask. I just replaced all the seals on the front axles a few months ago.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,767
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by jtharvey
I would suggest going to the dealer and see if they will install it for you, or let you borrow their tool. I built a tool, like clux mentioned, and it worked fine on one side, but I destroyed 2 different seals on the other side before I finally went to the dealer and hand them correctly install a third seal. And at $30+ a piece for them, it ended up costing me.
The seal only goes on so far, and will stop when it get's set in place. When you're putting it back in the knuckle, just lightly grease up the outside of the seal and the inside of the knuckle, and it should slide in place. Just push it in until it stops, as the axle will bottom out in the diff. If it has trouble going in, push it in as far as it will go, then set the hub in place and start tightening the nuts on the back side of it. Just be sure to do it evenly, so the seal goes in straight. Using the hub to push the seal in place is what I had to do on at least one side.
Any other questions, just ask. I just replaced all the seals on the front axles a few months ago.
The seal only goes on so far, and will stop when it get's set in place. When you're putting it back in the knuckle, just lightly grease up the outside of the seal and the inside of the knuckle, and it should slide in place. Just push it in until it stops, as the axle will bottom out in the diff. If it has trouble going in, push it in as far as it will go, then set the hub in place and start tightening the nuts on the back side of it. Just be sure to do it evenly, so the seal goes in straight. Using the hub to push the seal in place is what I had to do on at least one side.
Any other questions, just ask. I just replaced all the seals on the front axles a few months ago.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 141
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From: La Porte, TX
Thanks for the info. I think that I will go to the dealer. I hate to spend any more money than I have to since I have to replace the ball joints and both hub assy. all at the same time. So I would take the knuckle, the axle and the seal to the dealer ship right? I guess when I get home all I have to do is slide the axle into the housing. Will I still be able to get the ball joint studs onto the axle housing yoke?
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2004
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Just take the axle (both ends joined by the u-joint) and the seal. The Stealer mech. will press/slam the seal on to the short side of the axle assembly. then you will take it back to your truck an slide the long end into the axle housing (for a lack of a better term) sliding it through the nuckle.
Know what I mean?
Know what I mean?
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Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,413
Likes: 1
From: Columbia, MO
Orezona is right on with what you need to take to the dealer. I would replace the ball joints before putting the axle back in the knuckle, so you can do it without the axle in the way. Once they are done, just slide the axle in place.
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: La Porte, TX
I got you now. I was just confused because I read a post that said that you cant push the axle in to far and I read another one that said you could. Just wanted to be clear so I dont screw anything up. Thanks
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,413
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From: Columbia, MO
VQ2Fast4U, I would talk to one of the service advisors or the service manager. Any of the techs there who have done it, knows how difficult it can be.
cdiddy, in my experience, the hardest part was getting the seal onto the axle. Getting it into the knuckle is a piece of cake. The seal fits very, very tightly over the axle. If you decide to make one, don't use PVC - it will just shatter the first time you hit it with a hammer. You need to use metal pipe. It takes a lot of force to drive that seal on.
cdiddy, in my experience, the hardest part was getting the seal onto the axle. Getting it into the knuckle is a piece of cake. The seal fits very, very tightly over the axle. If you decide to make one, don't use PVC - it will just shatter the first time you hit it with a hammer. You need to use metal pipe. It takes a lot of force to drive that seal on.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 285
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From: York, PA
I just got done replacing a hub and axle seals on my truck and didn't have any trouble driving the seal on to the axle with the 1 1/4" pipe, flange, and cap. But the floor flange will have to be ground down to make the tool work. I was a little concerned about the driver tool driving the new seal on crooked because it was a loose fit over the axle shaft. So i wrapped enough electrical tape over the axle shaft at the end and near the seal to create a snug fit so the driver would drive the seal on square. It worked perfect. But make sure you have at least a 3lb hammer, and use some lube because you have to beat the crap out of it to get it on there.