That is definitely a good fix as a temp. Will remember that.

 

If you still have trouble with leaking seals after you replace them, check your axle breather hose. I cleaned my breather out and haven't had trouble with a wheel seal since.

 

You know that fitting on the axle cloggs up ever couple of years ?


I've cleaned mine out several times since Bought the truck, and the use of synthetic gear oil did nothing to prevent this from reoccurring

 

Boy, was I not prepared for those axle retainer clip/bushing thingies. What fun those were! Thought I was gonna have to be committed or something. They definitely do the job they were intended to do and keep the axle from coming out!

 

If you are talking about the little cone shaped thingys, just TAP the edge of the axle flange with a hammer and they come right out. Tap being the important part...Mark

 

I have no idea what causes it!

 

Condensation

 

Temp swings from hot to cold, lower numerical ratios worse as the housing breathes, use a larger diameter line with a filter, some people vent them inside.

 

Mine didn't quite come out that easy but will remember that the next axle I do ( hopefully not soon ). Thanks!

 

They're collets to keep the axle flange from moving on the studs. Like all collets, they'll bind up after a while. Like all collets, a little vibration in either direction will shake them loose.

 

I have worked on a lot of heavy equipment throughout my lifetime, some with Rockwell axles, some have had a threaded hole in the flange to drive them out but most you could loosen all of the collets at once with one solid smack in the center of the flange using a sledge hammer, then you could expand the stubborn ones using a small screwdriver.
We also had to pull the axles on the road when I would flat tow one home, they were not difficult.
Jim

 

You really mean every couple of years.

I rebuilt my Rear end & Brakes in 2012. this year I did some brake work which included the right Ebrake cable. SOB was clogged.

 

Went to apply the brake last night and that stupid clip popped off. Took it all apart again and of course there it was in the bottom of the drum. Got to thinking about how the GM cables attach much better, so just happened to have a set laying around and this is what we came up with. Much better than that 'donkey' way dodge dit it. Plus it will save having to tear into again because that clip is not coming off again.

 

Seriously apologize for the huge pics - thought they were resized but guess not.

 

I like the size of the last 2 pics I can SEE.