So I'm replacing a leaky axle seal on my truck and I'm having a helluva time getting the new seal to go in. There's a small notch (for lack of a better word) that looks to be peened in the edge of the sealing surface (see attached pic)—is this supposed to be there? Do I need to somehow smooth it out so the new seal will go in? Thanks in advance for any help!
I don’t think so. If it was mine and it was hanging up there, I would dress that away carefully with a file. It looks like someone may have used a hammer and a cold chisel or screwdriver to replace a seal. It’s been along time, over 30 years but it seems I remember my 51 having ball bearings instead of tapered rollers. Is that bearing cage split at the bottom?
Thanks, @F-ONE . I filed the ridge down and was able to get the new seal installed. However, the block of would I was using to hammer the seal in slipped and bent the seal...****ola. So, I ordered another seal AND am installation tool so I don't have the same problem next time. This is my first time doing a seal on a vehicle of this vintage so there's a bit of a learning curve. Seals on newer vehicles wind up sitting flush with the axle tube whereas this seal winds up being recessed in the tube. Live and learn, right?
Finally got everything ****oned back up! I filed down the ridge on the sealing surface and got the (second) new seal installed with the help of the seal installation tool I bought (always helps to have the right tools). Got the new brake shoes adjusted (old shoes were soaked in gear oil due to the leaky seal) and also lubed the rear spring shackles while I was there. Took the truck for a test drive and everything seemed to be working A-OK. Now I wait to see if the new seal stopped my leak. Thanks again for the help here!
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