8.75 rear axle leak

[dart1]

Hi everyone,
need some help, just discovered a small amount of gear oil is leaking out on rear passenger side axle (wheel studs are big bolt pattern and left hand thread). Could the problem be with the axle gaskets or seals? I would like to try and fix this myself but don't know how hard it would be or what is involved (any special tools needed?)

Thanks in advance, your advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[fishy68]

An oil leak can only be caused by a leaking inner oil seal. The outer gasket does nothing to stop gear oil from leaking. It's also possible the axle is worn where the seal rides so when you get it apart inspect that closely. It's a pretty easy job IMO. Just jack up the axle from under the right shock mount so the axle is tilted to the left (keeps more lube from running out when you yank out the axle and seal), put a jack stand under it to hold it up safely, pull the wheel off and unbolt the axle and slide it out then use a slide hammer seal puller to yank out the old seal. Drive in the new seal very carefully, grease the axle so it slides over the seal easy and bolt it all back together. Using brake clean to wash off all the oil and gunk before you take it apart makes it a much neater job.

Oh yeah it's quite possible the oil leak washed the grease out of the wheel bearing so you need to repack it with grease. An easy way to do that without removing the bearing is to use a needle tip attachment on a grease gun and gently pull the race back to expose the bearing and squirt grease in it until it's packed. Wipe off the excess and it's ready to go back together.

 

[dart1]

Thanks fishy68,
excellent write up.

 

[fishy68]

Glad to help.