'88 4x4 Pickup rear Axel seal going out.

Started noticing some leaking through my driver-side rear wheel and thought it was a simple brake leak somewhere. We took off the wheel and drum to see the brake system was in check, but that the whole mechanic was caked with sludge and that the liquid leaking out was a byproduct of the high friction heat+axel grease+brake dust. It was obvious to us that the rear axel seal had blown and the grease was leaking out.

My question: how hard of a repair is this and is it possible for two dudes to do with a Haynes manual to do? The manual makes it seem easy enough and we have taken off all the break equipment on this drum before so we have experience with that. We have done stuff like rebuilt the 4WD Hub mechanics... is that just as hard?

Thanks for any help. Want to get a good answer from some experienced mechanics before we prematurely roll up our sleeves on a job we can't manage.

Reply to
Shinnokxz
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It's do-able, but I wouldn't if I were you, especially the first time. A good shop will have a proper tube and flange for pressing the parts out and in. If they don't have the tube, it might be a good idea to look elsewhere as they might end up bending the axle shaft. Try to find a shop that's accustomed to Toy axle bearing replacement.

If you're feeling up to it, there are a few tech articles on the web for the do it yourselfer. You'll need the bearing, outer dust seal, inner oil seal, retainer collar, and circular retainer clip. The original circular clip may be salvageable. Once you read one of the articles you'll quickly see why you'd be better off having it done.

Regardless of who does it, you'll need to be careful sliding the axle back into the tube. The seal that you will have just installed is delicate and you'll be doing the job twice if diff oil gets past the seal and gets into the bearing. Once that happens the bearing will fail.

Before you re-install the whole thing, be sure to check that the diff breather is not closed shut by rust or dirt. Better yet, replace it as it's cheap enough. If it's not working properly, it won't vent pressure and the diff lube will push past the axle seal real quick. That might have been the actual cause in the first place.

Also, when you remove the axle, check the sealing surface that seats into the tube seal. If there's a deep groove you might be better off finding another axle. It might just leak again.

Good luck

Reply to
xsacta

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