Axle Seal Question
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Valley Center, CA
Axle Seal Question
I am replacing the rear axle seal on my 54. I seem to remember that there is a right way and a wrong way to put it in. And I also seem to recall that the bevel on the rubber insert goes toward the center?? Does anybody know if that is correct? Also, I have been told that I should grease the seal before tapping it in. Is that the recommended method? Thanks, Jag 
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 22,000
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From: Rio Rancho, NM
Jag,
Yup, you are thinking correctly, the seal should be beveled in towards the oil source.
Think about it like this, the oil coming out and trying to sneak by the seal will hit the back side of the seal causing it to push tighter up against the axle shaft. If it were beveled out away from the oil source then the oil would be able easily push the seal away from the axle shaft.
A quick smear of any kind of lube on the seal lip when you put it together is a good thing just so you don't have it running "dry" agains the axle shaft.
Good luck
Bobby
Yup, you are thinking correctly, the seal should be beveled in towards the oil source.
Think about it like this, the oil coming out and trying to sneak by the seal will hit the back side of the seal causing it to push tighter up against the axle shaft. If it were beveled out away from the oil source then the oil would be able easily push the seal away from the axle shaft.
A quick smear of any kind of lube on the seal lip when you put it together is a good thing just so you don't have it running "dry" agains the axle shaft.
Good luck
Bobby
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Valley Center, CA
Thanks Bobby, Do you think there should be any grease on the outside edge of the seal's metal ring where it seats against the inside edge of the axle tube? Thanks, Jag
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 22,000
Likes: 9,893
From: Rio Rancho, NM
Its not really necessary. It might help it "slip" into place easier while you were driving it in is all.
Sometimes you can get lucky and only make a small mess by only jacking up the side of the truck you are working on. That way the gear lube will run downhill towards the other side of the truck (in theory) and not all over your driveway
Bobby
Sometimes you can get lucky and only make a small mess by only jacking up the side of the truck you are working on. That way the gear lube will run downhill towards the other side of the truck (in theory) and not all over your driveway
Bobby
