2.5 Ton Rockwell Axle seal tool?

[FMJ]

Does anyone know of a source for the special tool used to remove the inner axle seals from a front axle? It is pictured in the TM. Nick (bgekky3) and I replaced the front third member in his truck over the weekend, along with new boots, etc. . . but we didn't have the proper tool to remove the inner seal.

Thanks,
Ed

 

[doghead]

I have read several accounts of guys using pipe or conduit, to drive it out from the opposite side.

 

[clinto]

Are you referring to the seal itself or the steel "disc" that is removed from the housing that the seal sits in?

 

[FMJ]

Disc

 

[clinto]

I have used this on one. Worked fine for me.

 

[FMJ]

Ok, I'll bite, where did you buy it. . . ?

 

[Recovry4x4]

Clinto, is that a snap on? If so can you tell me which piece you used? All I have is the hook and axle flange. The hook works but the other piece would be much better.

 

[clinto]

Ok, I'll bite, where did you buy it. . . ?

CJ2003A, great deals on eBay Motors, Home Garden on eBay!

CJ2003A, Puller Set, Rear Axle


Bought mine from my Snap-On rep when I worked for a shop about.........7 or 8 years ago. Very nice tool set.

Similar models can be had from all the major suppliers (OTC, Mac, Matco, Cornwell, SK, etc.). I suspect Harbor Freight might have a cheapie one too.

 

[clinto]

Clinto, is that a snap on? If so can you tell me which piece you used? All I have is the hook and axle flange. The hook works but the other piece would be much better.

It is Snap-On, I have a CJ2003A kit. I didn't use the hook, I figured that would just get the disc cocked in the housing. I used the intermediate or the large bearing puller, I can't remember which one I grabbed. It was dark and I was out in the yard doing this at midnight in a hurry.

If someone wants to measure their disc, I will go home and see which attachment it is.

 

[FMJ]

Thanks Clinto!

 

[pigfoot63]

Take a tanker bar and weld you a 1/2 bolt on the small end, bolt head facing the big end stick it through the flange and use it like a slide hammer

 

[m35a2cowner]

Cheap

When I changed mine I went to the local NAPA store and they have a loan a tool program. They bill your card for the cost of the tool when you pick it up but when you bring it back they refund it. It did the job nicely and didn't cost a dime.

 

[Heavy Hooker]

Pigfoot, I concur with the tanker bar with a bolt welded on it. I have changed a lot of these with a 4 foot long 1 inch rod with a piece of 1/2 inch rod stock welded on it used as a slide hammer. I have been looking for a source for the replacement seal for the M35A3 inner front axle seal assembly. It is a much better double lip seal than the M35A2 single lip one.

 

[clinto]

I have been looking for a source for the replacement seal for the M35A3 inner front axle seal assembly. It is a much better double lip seal than the M35A2 single lip one.

Does that mean the A3 seal can be used in the A2?

 

[cbvet]

Okay, you've made me curious.
What is a "tanker bar"?

 

[rancherrob]

What tool does on use to seat a new seal?
How do you know if it is completely and fully seated?

 

[clinto]

What tool does on use to seat a new seal?
How do you know if it is completely and fully seated?

Tool: I use a seal/bushing installation tool like this to drive the seals in and to drive the seal housing into the axle housing.



You know it's completely and fully seated when the sound changes when the hammer strikes the tool. As you're driving the seal housing in, the hammer striking the tool makes a sound which will change when the seal is fully seated. It's hard to describe without showing you.

 

[welldigger]

Tool: I use a seal/bushing installation tool like this to drive the seals in and to drive the seal housing into the axle housing.

View attachment 458226

You know it's completely and fully seated when the sound changes when the hammer strikes the tool. As you're driving the seal housing in, the hammer striking the tool makes a sound which will change when the seal is fully seated. It's hard to describe without showing you.

I use a 1"x 12" galvanized (black iron would work also) nipple with a cap threaded on one end. I use the cap as a striking surface for my 3 pound mallet. Use it like a giant drift punch. You will know when it seats. As clinto said the sound totally changes.

In case anyone is wondering the malleable iron that the pipe nipple is made of is much softer than the seal retainer. So you won't hurt the retainer when using this method. I can usually seat the retainer in about 4 or so swings.

 

[sandcobra164]

Double post, my apologies.

 

[sandcobra164]

I'm low tech. A small block of 2X4 wood works fine for both tasks in my opinion.