The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Rear Wheel Seal leaking

Hi,"Bolters"! I walked out this morning,and noticed a puddle on the inner-wheel/Passenger side. First thing I thought of was brake cylinder. Then I got a whiff of the stuff:90-weight gear oil. is this a job better suited for a suspension shop,or could an intermediate backyard mechanic be able to tackle the beast? I know I have a 2nd-Series 6500,18,000# gross,but are there different 2-speed rear-ends used in the T.F. 2-ton and bigger trucks? Any info would be appreciated! Thanks!!

If you can do a brake job, you can replace the seals. The hardest part is removing the wheels.

Mike B

Thanks,Mike!! I've replaced the tires a couple of years ago,and the brakes at the same time. Luckily,the truck still had the origional lug wrench and cheater bar,so the lugs broke free with a simple stomp on the bar. If that's the "hard" part,I've got it made,as long as I can find the seals-(I'm going to replace the driver's side,too.) Thanks,again!!

Be sure your rear axle vent is clean and open. A plugged vent can present itself as a seal leak as pressure builds up when you drive and get things warm. This happened to me and I discovered a plugged vent. I cleaned the vent, the oil mess and never did anything with the seals and that was several years ago, with no further problems.

if the oil got into the brake linings you will need to replace them also. hopefully it didnt.

THANK-YOU,Lightholder's Dad! I read your reply and immediately remembered reading that very same thing on a different thread several months ago right here on Stovebolt!! Too late to check on it tonight,but 1st thing in the morning...Will keep you posted! Thanks,again! 51 ashton,when I drove it around the block last night,I kinda checked for brake failure-(heat build-up). Both L.R.,and R.R. hubs felt about the same temp.,HOPEFULLY meaning that the brake linings aren't contaminated. Thanks for the advice! I WILL check them,though. Better safe than sorry!

The hub is designed in such away to leak the oil out so as not to get on the shoes, in most cases, thats why you see it in the center and not the backing plate

I replaced one of the seals on my 1 Ton lately and some of the fluid had gotten onto one of the shoes. I wiped it off, used some naptha on a rag and the shoes were fine. I don't know whether I was lucky because it was only on for a short time or if it is because of the new brake material used on the shoes.

maybe so but mine ended up being soaked and i had to replace them thats how i know.

Maybe they were designed that way, but they don't work that way in real life.

Jeff

When I changed out the rear seals on my 46 2 ton with the 2 speed diff. One leaked. When I disassembled it AGAIN I found a small burr on the seal diameter on the rear end housing. Dressed it up with a fine flapper wheel, put another $20 seal (from NAPA) in the hub and it's bin good to go never since. Just something to watch out for. Hey I'm originally from Waterloo

Thanks for the replies,guys! ends up that the axle vent was clogged. The seal no longer leaks! WHOOPEEEEE!