5 Ton axle seal problem

[jpekarek]

So on my new 5 ton, I thought the brake cylinder was leaking. Turns out it is 90 weight gear oil. That means the axle seal, I can deal with that.

My question is: Can I drive it that way for a while as long as I make sure the oil level in the diff is full? Or is it something critical that needs to be addressed right away due to possible additional damage potential?

Thanks guys!

 

[frodobaggins]

You willl need to make sure your grease isn't washing out and that your brake drums don't get soaked in oil.

 

[motorolanut]

Ditto, Grease or Oil soaked brake shoes can cause major issues when the brakes are applied.
Pull the Hub, axle shaft, check all for burrs and bearings for any signs of brinelling.
Then install a new grease seal.

 

[jpekarek]

Well I ordered a rear axle tune-up kit for the 5 ton axle from Boyce Equipment, it has an outer seal, a flange gasket and an inner seal they call a "pinion seal". Those guys guys at Boyce are some of the best customer service people I have ever worked with. I will document the procedure step by step with photos so others can see what is going on in there and what I may run in to.

I am going to use the advice provided by "dm22630" for a procedure.

1. Park on a FLAT surface & set your parking brake.
2. Chock wheels.
3. Jack up the leaking side of the axle.
4. Remove both tires.
5. Remove axle shaft.
6. Remove axle nut, lock nut, outer wheel seal, & outer wheel bearing.
7. Remove hub/drum assembly (80+ lbs....DONT slide across your axle threads!).
8. Remove inner wheel seal & inner wheel bearing.
9. Clean everything (brake shoes, brake drum ** clean & lightly sand to scar surface **, remove all old wheel bearing grease & gear oil from inside hub).
10. Pack bearings.
11. Install inner wheel bearing & inner wheel seal.
12. Install hub/drum.
13. Install outer wheel bearing, outer wheel seal, lock nut, & axle nut.
14. Insert axle shaft & remember to use high-temp RTV sealant to seal completely.
15. Reinstall tires.
16. Remove Jack.
17. Fill gear oil in that axle.
18. DONE!

 

[nk14zp]

Dont forget to seal the key way.

 

[jpekarek]

Dont forget to seal the key way.

Ahh! I probably would have. Thank you.

 

[BEASTMASTER]

as long as we're on the subject, are the wheel bearings lubed by the rearend or just when you pack them with grease??

thanks

 

[crasheej]

Pack them with grease!!!

 

[jpekarek]

Well I ordered a rear axle tune-up kit for the 5 ton axle from Boyce Equipment, it has an outer seal, a flange gasket and an inner seal they call a "pinion seal". Those guys guys at Boyce are some of the best customer service people I have ever worked with. I will document the procedure step by step with photos so others can see what is going on in there and what I may run in to.

I am going to use the advice provided by "dm22630" for a procedure.

1. Park on a FLAT surface & set your parking brake.
2. Chock wheels.
3. Jack up the leaking side of the axle.
4. Remove both tires.

Well I got to step 4 today. Took me all day to get the friggin lug nuts and bolts off. More tomorrow.

 

[Stalwart]

If you find the axle a little sticky to release, you can use the principle of bounceback to make it come out easily. Strike the end of the axle with a 5-8 lb. steel hammer. Try to strike those "C" shaped protrusions on the axles . . . I've been through this too on the HEMTT. Just take your time and follow the proceedure on setting the bearing preload.

 

[crasheej]

Man you have a mess to clean up now. I hate it when that happens.

 

[Stalwart]

Not me, nothing that a scraper, screwdriver, good paper towels and 5 cans of brake cleaner couldn't cure in 20 minutes.

 

[jpekarek]

Yea there is a big mess for sure. The entire inside of the wheel is HEAVY with gear oil. I am betting that the brake shoes will be as well.

I will use the hammer method if needed. Good advice.