Axle Seal Question
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Amateur
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 28
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Axle Seal Question
I have a 2005 Ram 3500 4X4 with the AAM 9.25 front diff.
About a month ago or approx. 1800kms ago I replaced the front axle wheel end u-joints. When I removed and installed the axles I took care to center the axles in the axle tube and try not to damage the axle seals. When I installed the axles I also greased the area where the the seal rides.
About a week ago (or 200kms) I drained and replace the diff oil and now I noticed the passenger side developed a oil leak at the axle end. When I filled the diff I filled it until it was level with the fill hole. I did some research and some guys are saying if the diff is overfilled it can cause a leak at the axle seals. So I drained the oil to about a 1/4 inch below the fill hole and then I washed off the area around the axle end. I then went on a hour drive and I reinspected to find more fresh oil.
My question is, is it possible that I overfilled the diff causing the seal to leak since it didn't leak in approx 1600kms from the time I did the u-joints to the time I changed the oil?
Now that I drained a bit of oil, is it just residual oil in the axle tube?
Why would it leak out thru the pass side and not the drivers side if it was caused by the overfill?
Is there a problem with these seal and should I replace them?
Thanks for any info and help
About a month ago or approx. 1800kms ago I replaced the front axle wheel end u-joints. When I removed and installed the axles I took care to center the axles in the axle tube and try not to damage the axle seals. When I installed the axles I also greased the area where the the seal rides.
About a week ago (or 200kms) I drained and replace the diff oil and now I noticed the passenger side developed a oil leak at the axle end. When I filled the diff I filled it until it was level with the fill hole. I did some research and some guys are saying if the diff is overfilled it can cause a leak at the axle seals. So I drained the oil to about a 1/4 inch below the fill hole and then I washed off the area around the axle end. I then went on a hour drive and I reinspected to find more fresh oil.
My question is, is it possible that I overfilled the diff causing the seal to leak since it didn't leak in approx 1600kms from the time I did the u-joints to the time I changed the oil?
Now that I drained a bit of oil, is it just residual oil in the axle tube?
Why would it leak out thru the pass side and not the drivers side if it was caused by the overfill?
Is there a problem with these seal and should I replace them?
Thanks for any info and help
Rookie
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Commerce,Mi
I had a 98 dodge Had the dana in the front.Ever time I changed the axle u joints The seal would leak 9 times out of 10.I finally went out an got axle u joints with grease fittings on them and that put an end on the u joint problem.
but with the seals my opinion I think the splines damage the seal if you let it slide across the seal. Also if you notice when you turn the wheel the axle moves very little in the tube because of the design of the steering knuckle.Ive put seals in, a year later replace u joints, put it back together to tear it down again to replace seals because they started leaking.Just make sure you get grease-able u joints.
hope all helps
but with the seals my opinion I think the splines damage the seal if you let it slide across the seal. Also if you notice when you turn the wheel the axle moves very little in the tube because of the design of the steering knuckle.Ive put seals in, a year later replace u joints, put it back together to tear it down again to replace seals because they started leaking.Just make sure you get grease-able u joints.
hope all helps
Moderate User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 17,003
Likes: 21
From: Albany, NY
yes they can leak from overfill, but not unless you really overfill it. One side and not the other....probably worn.
Axle seals are not an easy task to change! I'd do your axle bearings while you have your rear end apart.
Axle seals are not an easy task to change! I'd do your axle bearings while you have your rear end apart.