Axle is out, leaking oil looks odd...see pictures

davlun

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Axle is out, leaking oil looks like coffee with creamer...see pictures

So, going at this slow, learning as I go.

Pulled the axle off:

1) didnt expect an 0-ring to seal, thought there would be rtv or something based on other answers.

2) oil leaking does not look like axle grease

Thanks for the help on this so far!

David

SORRY, CANT GET RID OF THE THIRD IMAGE, NO REMOVAL THAT I CAN SEE.

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79jasper

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Looks like that because there's water in it, imo.
Doh, forgot about that oring, but I still wanted more sealing power.

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davlun

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Thanks for the quick reply.


So that is not welcome news, but I was wondering about that possibility.

Is there an easy way to confirm this? And if so, what corrective actions do I need to take if that is the case?
 

79jasper

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Really I can't tell for sure by the pics. But that's what it looks like to me.
Check the axle vent. It's the hold down bolt for the brake line block. Driven in any deep water?

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davlun

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Just acquired the vehicle, it has had a light sprinkle of desert rain, when I drove it home... but that does not mean they were not using it that way.

How do I clean out the water and get things right again?

The brakes were supposed to be good, but they are not, and the list goes on...
 

79jasper

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In that case, basically your normal rear gear oil change procedure. But clean it with brake kleen.
The
Hubs are easy. (Once you get it off, you'll see.)


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davlun

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Ok. I was concerned that there would be water somewhere that I would not be able to get to easily, locked up in middle of tubes or deep in differential.

Some specific questions if you had a moment as originally I was only pulling the hub originally to change the axle seal:

1) Other than axle seal, are there any other seals I should look at?

2) Is there supposed to be a seal on the axle vent?

3) Is there a way to get all the oil out of the axle/differential? Not much came out, but then car is elevated slightly as it is just on one jack

4) Do I need to pull the bearings, clean and repack and then reinstall?

5) Should I inspect anything else to see if the water caused damage?

Thanks again,

David
 

79jasper

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Mostly just from the seals, or the vent.
I would do seals on both sides.
These bearings are just oil bath bearings. No packing needed.

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Knuckledragger

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The only real damage from water would be to the bearings. Clean them off well and look closely at the rollers and races. If you see pits or anything but smooth surfaces, change them.

The axle vent is a vent, no seal.

If you are determined to get all of the watery oil out, you can try lifting one side at a time and pouring a solvent down the tube, or just use alcohol. It will bond with the water and carry it away. Either way, it is a messy operation. I would just drain the oil and replace with fresh. Should be good enough. If you are still worried about water, drain it again after a week or so. That will do the trick.
 

Greg5OH

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quick Q, if the axle seals appear to be in good shape, cna they be reused?
 

79jasper

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Depending on the type.
Two-piece bearing seals that I have, nope.
Long as they aren't torn up, I guess. But they're cheap enough. ..

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Knuckledragger

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Short answer is yes, if they were not leaking before, you can use them again. They are meant to be reused after brake jobs or other service.

Like the man said, they are not expensive anyway and are not difficult or time consuming to replace. Your choice.
 

davlun

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1) Axle out - DONE
2) Hub off - DONE
3) Outside wheel bearing - DONE
4) Axle seal - Stuck

So the hub did not slide off, it actually was quite hard to pull off and required some back and forth, kind of like a slide hammer only softer to work it loose. Once it was off, think I know why, but want to confirm. In the first picture below, there is a thin steel ring around the tube (think that is what you would call it), that I think is part of the seal. If that is so, recommendations on how to remove? I do not have any gear pullers or anything, but could probably borrow one...

The second picture is to show you what the other side looks like.

David
 

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davlun

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I seem to have issues with pictures. Just re-attached.

I tried to pull out the seal that was left in the hub, does not seem to be budging... is it safe to pound on the bearing to force it out?

How do I get the piece of the axle tube? Puller? Pry bar?
 
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