rear axle seal leak on 9 inch

dlw66 · Post by **dlw66** » September 1, 2006, 8:57 pm

While working on my brakes I noticed both rear axles leaking. I pulled the axles and replaced the bearings and the seals. Still leaking. Checked the axles for pitting and wear spots. They look good. Checked for play in the axles. not any. It is leaking bad enough that only after 50 miles I can notice a drip.

I am at a lost on my next step. Raplace housing or axles?

DV65CustomCab · Post by **DV65CustomCab** » September 1, 2006, 9:06 pm

Neither. You can buy sleeves...someone help with me the name...that you can fit over the axle. It provides a 'fresh' sealing surface for the seal. The axle has most likely worn down in just the spot where the seal rides. You should be able to get them from NAPA or similar.

jkimbrel65 · Post by **jkimbrel65** » September 1, 2006, 9:06 pm

sounds like the seal has worn the axle just enough to leak.New axles or used ones not worn should fix you up.

dlw66 · Post by **dlw66** » September 1, 2006, 9:20 pm

Thanks for the sleeve info. Was unaware they made them. I will do some research.

Was thinking about looking for a later model 9 inch to get the wider brakes.

Hoofbeat Racer · Post by **Hoofbeat Racer** » September 1, 2006, 9:32 pm

I think just a "speedy sleeve" is what you are looking for. We used them all the time on tractor axles, pto shafts, front universals

Good luck

Mark

cdherman · Post by **cdherman** » September 2, 2006, 9:39 pm

Make sure you check the vent. If the pressure in the rear end builds up and cannot vent, it'll push some oil out of perfectly good seals.

Moose · Post by **Moose** » September 3, 2006, 9:41 pm

One question.

Are your brake drums seating all the way? I ran into this problem and found out that the axle was not right. I can post a picture if you need it. Measure your axle from the flange to the spline end.

Garbz · Post by **Garbz** » September 5, 2006, 6:57 am

As CD stated did you clean the vent before installing the new seals?

Garbz

William-in-St. George · September 5, 2006, 12:17 pm

Yup! Run a small 1/16th drill bit right through that sucker, then hook a rubber hose to the top of the vent and hang it up under the bed. End of problem! There was a rubber hose on there in the beginning, it rotted and fell off, dirt got in the vent, vent is stuck/rusted shut! Sometimes you can knock the spring off the seal when you slide in the axle? Seals installed backwards? Diff overfull?

rear axle seal leak on 9 inch

rear axle seal leak on 9 inch

Clean the vent with a drill!