Front Dana 60 seals

[dakotajeep]

This is in reference to my 2003 but I figure axles are fairly similiar through the years and I know who to listen to over here!!!

On my front dana 60 I noticed on both sides the spindle seals (rubber ring that seals the axle from the elements)

were loose and not holding out moisture.

I have also noticed recently that I have a front vibration along with a low pitched hum on deceleration somethimes.

1. How impostant are those seals?
2. Could the hum be associated?

Any thoughts are welcome.

And of course I am in the middle of a move and don't have access to my tools since they are 600 miles away.

thanks
Thad

 

[typ4]

most likely un related. check the rear ujoints and pinion, sounds loose.

 

[HiHorse]

Those seals were a good idea, however they don't tend to stay in place. They simply keep debris out of the axle tubes. Also they are not related to a noise or vibrations. Almost every SD that comes through my shop has them out of place.

 

[dakotajeep]

I checked all the u joints and the only play that I can find is a very slight amount of lateral play in the front drive shaft but it seems normal.

The intermittent vibration is felt most at low speeds ie under 15-20 mph and shakes the truck a little (tires?).

Then there is an intermittent growling noise/hum under deceleration.

Not sure why the vibration would be intermittent. It might be easier to diagnose if it was consistent. I plan to take it by my local mechanic to take a peak at. He has been honest and reliable but he is always busy. I also am going to rotate the tires and balance them. Its only been a few thousand miles but what the heck.

thanks
Thad

 

[dakotajeep]

Part of my problem is vacuum related. I ended up putting in some Warn manual hubs to avoid further issues with the vacuum ones. I just capped the A/C portion and the rest of the vacuum system will be out tomorrow.

We'll see if any of this was responsible for the vibrations....



Thad