Axle seals are leaking again

-

harrisonm

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 16, 2005
Messages
5,702
Reaction score
7,932
Location
Topeka, KS
So my axle seals are leaking again. 69 barracuda 8 3/4 and 489 center section with original axles and street driven only. I replaced the seals about 8-10 years ago, and I noticed at the time that the axles had a very minor groove where the seals rubbed on the axles. I’m wondering if it will do any good to put new seals in if those grooves have gotten any worse. I think it is kind of like putting a new rear main seal in when the engine has 200,000 miles and there’s a groove in your crankshaft. It’s still going to leak. I wonder if anybody makes an oversize seal for these axles. I was thinking on just getting new axles with bearings already pressed on them and seals. What do you guys think? I hate to go to the trouble of putting new seals in if it’s still going to leak. If I do get axles, any suggestions? Thanks.
 
There are sleeves for other sealing surfaces maybe for axle?

A machine shop might be able to regrind like a cam shaft / crank
 
You could have a 1/16 inch thick shim made and put that in first then put the seal in. Now seal is riding on a different place
 
Green bearing might be the ticket if you're not using it now.
I've used the green bearing with no issues for years
 
Axle seal leaking or the grease seal on the retainer?

If it's the axle measure the current lip location before removing the seal and then don' t drive the new one in quite as far. You could also chuck the axle (bearings and all) in a lathe with a big enough through chuck and dress the seal surface so it's clean.
 
Just asking, but did you replace all FOUR seals? The inner ones too?
 
Just asking, but did you replace all FOUR seals? The inner ones too?
Please tell us about the FOUR seals and what are you calling the inner ones.

Are you talking about the foam and metal ones on each side of the backing plate?
 
If you overpack the bearings, the outer seals can leak, often after they get some heat in them.
 
Another thought, is your axel vent open and clear, if not pressure could build up and it has to get out somewhere.
 
Please tell us about the FOUR seals and what are you calling the inner ones.

Are you talking about the foam and metal ones on each side of the backing plate?

No. I'm talking about inner and outer seals on the 8 3/4. It has all rubber seals that press into the inner part of the housing.
 
.
Or pictures also?

I've found a picture.

timkin-kit.jpg
 
It is the seal closest to the housing behind the bearing. Almost everybody leaves those out.

8.75 DIAGRAM.jpg
 

Yeah....those fat ones I think are the aftermarket replacements. The original Chrysler ones were all rubber. A lot of people leave those out, believe it or not.....AND a LOT of kits don't even come with them. I also see that Cass at Dr Diff is out of stock with them as well.
 
Yeah....those fat ones I think are the aftermarket replacements. The original Chrysler ones were all rubber. A lot of people leave those out, believe it or not.....AND a LOT of kits don't even come with them. I also see that Cass at Dr Diff is out of stock with them as well.
This is good to know. my new 8-3/4 axles didn't come with the outer seals.

Of course the inner seals are in the housing.
 
So these aren't the ones you're talking about?

View attachment 1715722147

Yeah I went back and agreed they are.....the original Chrysler ones were all rubber coated. I cannot count how many I've torn down over the years that had those just missing. People think you can just install the outer ones and go.
 
This is good to know. my new 8-3/4 axles didn't come with the outer seals.

Of course the inner seals are in the housing.

Yeah, that could certainly cause a leak. I've never seen people leave the outer ones out. I eckon cause they are RIGHT THERE behind the flange, but I've torn down countless ones that were missing the inner seals. Not tore up. Just not there at all.
 
-
Back
Top