Problems with Newstar m35a2 inner axle seals

[muthkw25]

On one of my trucks last year I completed maintenance on one of my axles and reserviced with new seals, grease and bearings. Followed the tm specs to a T. I come out to start doing maintenance for the season and both inner axle seals I replaced are leaking. Theres 500 miles on these seals. The inner axle seals I got were from Newstar. Has anyone had issues with their inner axle seals? I have heard of issues with the outer seals but not the inside ones. I also made sure the seals were press fit perfectly because I have a tool from western Canadian Rockwell that allows you to use the spindle nut and evenly press the seal Into place so its not my human error that is causing the failure.

Does anyone know of someone selling some nos or real Rockwell inner axle seals? I'm not a fan of this cheap crap. Thank you in advance.

 

[gringeltaube]

Pretty sure gear oil made its way into the hub(s). Suspect the outer seals and/or whatever you used to plug the keyway.
Those inner (cup)seals really aren't designed to hold oil. And grease alone wouldn't cause that leak.

 

[cattlerepairman]

FWIW, my experience when I had to re-do axle seals I had "just" done was a bad seal in the keyway. It matches what @gringeltaube said. The axle seals themselves were ok. As annoying as it is, you have done it before and you will be even quicker repacking the bearings and sealing the darn keyway!

 

[muthkw25]

The outer seals where the key way is, is a new rockwell seal. I can't imagine that failed. Maybe it was the cork that gave way. I'll take it apart and see what the culprit is. It might be the cork. If so I'll replace with a piece of rubber and or some rtv. Thank you for the advice.