Drive shaft/axle help please
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Drive shaft/axle help please
I have a 98 1500 and I broke the drive axel last night because the u joints were bad.
So I got the shaft out, and I am told I should replace the axel seal that is close to 15 inches inside the housing..... How in the name of all that is holy do I get it out???
Next question, any one have a spare shaft laying around they want to sell??? Passenger side.
Mike
So I got the shaft out, and I am told I should replace the axel seal that is close to 15 inches inside the housing..... How in the name of all that is holy do I get it out???
Next question, any one have a spare shaft laying around they want to sell??? Passenger side.
Mike
Record Breaker
Joined: Dec 2008
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From: Elk Rapids, MI
No, you do not have to change the seal, that is if it was not leaking before hand. Just be sure you are careful inserting the new shaft so the splines don't damage the seal.
Check ebay for spare shafts, I have seen them on there for a decent price. If you want a heart attack, go ask the dealer how much they want for one
Check ebay for spare shafts, I have seen them on there for a decent price. If you want a heart attack, go ask the dealer how much they want for one
Hall Of Fame
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 12,204
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From: Gainesville, Ga.
download the 01 service manual. it will be correct for most of the driveline things, maybe a little different in fuses, wiring diagrams, trim things.
http://www.rm-indy.com/wavefiles/2001ramsrvcmanual.zip
also see here for nice pics. there's also a good article on bearings and axle u-joints.
http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech/axleseal.php
i'm assuming you've broken your passenger side, outer axle. its a 2 piece axle, with a separation at the CAD (central axle disconnect). look on the back side of the axle housing, and you'll see a goofy looking thing thats a big vacuum diaphram. it slides a coupler over the 2 axle halves, as part of the 4 wheel drive engagement. w/o, your front diff just spins uselessly around the spider gears.
the oil seal is at the outer edge of the CAD. so the CAD itself is wet, and the axle tube beyond the CAD is dry. the seal is a little difficult to replace, as its hard to drive the seal into the tube. you just can't swing a hammer inside the cad. there is a special tool to pull it in, or you can make one out of threaded rod.
if you don't replace the oil seal, be very very careful sliding the outer axle in. if you just shove it in, you'll tear your seal, and it'll leak like hell.
http://www.rm-indy.com/wavefiles/2001ramsrvcmanual.zip
also see here for nice pics. there's also a good article on bearings and axle u-joints.
http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech/axleseal.php
i'm assuming you've broken your passenger side, outer axle. its a 2 piece axle, with a separation at the CAD (central axle disconnect). look on the back side of the axle housing, and you'll see a goofy looking thing thats a big vacuum diaphram. it slides a coupler over the 2 axle halves, as part of the 4 wheel drive engagement. w/o, your front diff just spins uselessly around the spider gears.
the oil seal is at the outer edge of the CAD. so the CAD itself is wet, and the axle tube beyond the CAD is dry. the seal is a little difficult to replace, as its hard to drive the seal into the tube. you just can't swing a hammer inside the cad. there is a special tool to pull it in, or you can make one out of threaded rod.
if you don't replace the oil seal, be very very careful sliding the outer axle in. if you just shove it in, you'll tear your seal, and it'll leak like hell.
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Thak you for the input, I am waiting for the file to down load now to see what I am trying to do.
I would not of had to replace the seal if I did not attempt to take it out on the advise of the guys I know. If your gonna replace the shaft might as well do the seal.........
Good advise when it is something I may have the tools for. This I dont but got a puller for it.
Next question, does the seal come out towards where the tire is or from the pumpkin side?
Again thank you for the help this far.
Mike
I would not of had to replace the seal if I did not attempt to take it out on the advise of the guys I know. If your gonna replace the shaft might as well do the seal.........
Good advise when it is something I may have the tools for. This I dont but got a puller for it.
Next question, does the seal come out towards where the tire is or from the pumpkin side?
Again thank you for the help this far.
Mike
Hall Of Fame
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 12,204
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From: Gainesville, Ga.
seal is in the outer cavity of the CAD, and comes out in the direction of the center of the truck.
in other words, you'll stick a broom handle down the tube from the outer end, and knock the seal out, into the CAD cavity.
follow the pavement sucks article to make a seating tool out of threaded rod, nuts, washers, big socket, etc.
watch out for the bushing(s) on the end of the axle in the cad. i'm not sure, but i think there is only 1 bushing on the inner half. but i don't know -- make sure there's not one on the outer half...and/or if there is don't lose it.
in other words, you'll stick a broom handle down the tube from the outer end, and knock the seal out, into the CAD cavity.
follow the pavement sucks article to make a seating tool out of threaded rod, nuts, washers, big socket, etc.
watch out for the bushing(s) on the end of the axle in the cad. i'm not sure, but i think there is only 1 bushing on the inner half. but i don't know -- make sure there's not one on the outer half...and/or if there is don't lose it.