??? Anyone have idea's for continually leaky rear axle seals? I've had the local dealer replace mine 4-5 times in 2 years. The last time was 2 weeks ago, I put about 2200 miles on since and they are leaking again. Obviously somthing is not right. 00' 2500 QC long box.

 

I was having the same problem with my 98 and it turned out that it was leaking because of high internal pressures in the axle housing. This was all caused by a clogged breather. The breather hose and plastic end fitting were fine but the brass fitting on the axle, which also acts as the brake line block, was completely clogged with rust. I cleaned it up and never had anymore problems with it. I ended up having to replace my rear brakes because they had gotten soaked with the axle fluid..<br><br>Hope this helps....

 

I have also heard that diffs that are over filled will tend to leak as well.<br><br>Not sure if this is the case for you or not?

 

The plugged breather is very possible, I'll check that out. As far as being overfull, It should basically be level with the plug right? I keep pretty good tabs on the level because I drive about 1100 miles a week. Thanks for the response.

 

I fill mine to just below the bottom of the hole or there abouts. Depends on if you check it when the truck is level. I know my driveway have a nice grade to it so I tend not to fill it right up.

 

Well I pulled the breather completely off, it wasn't plugged. I was hoping it was!! The oil level is just below the fill plug. Any other suggestions? Thanks for the response.

 

It could just be substandard quality seals. I put a couple CR seals in mine and they were junk and leaked right away. I put a DANA seal in and it was 10 times better quality..<br><br>You also have to make sure you smear some fluid on the seal before you put the hub back on. <br><br>I also had the same problem on my brand new 92 I had...

 

I need to clarify what seals I am talking about. The actual axel shaft seals seem to be holding up fine, the seals I have leaking are between the axle and the hub. (under the center cap) I believe the seal is only a paper gasket. I just took it in this morning to have it looked at. They are gonna check for any burr's, flatness, bad machining etc.. They also mentioned doubling up the gaskets. Any thought's????? Sorry for my lack of terminology. Is there a proper name for this seal? Thank's

 

What you are talking about I've always heard referred to as &quot;end cap gaskets&quot; as opposed to &quot;axel seal&quot; or &quot;axel shaft seal&quot; or &quot;wheel seal&quot;.<br><br>I'm neither a mechanic nor the son of a mechanic, however, I've been around trucks for 46 years, 20 years as a state DOT inspecter.

 

[quote author=HydraulicGuy link=board=13;threadid=15585;start=0#149902 date=1055799511]
I need to clarify what seals I am talking about. The actual axel shaft seals seem to be holding up fine, the seals I have leaking are between the axle and the hub. (under the center cap) I believe the seal is only a paper gasket. I just took it in this morning to have it looked at. They are gonna check for any burr's, flatness, bad machining etc.. They also mentioned doubling up the gaskets. Any thought's????? Sorry for my lack of terminology. Is there a proper name for this seal? Thank's
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I think there should be a metal gasket between the axle and the hub. At least on my '96 there is. I put some RTV sealant on each side, torqued the bolts and have never had any trouble with leaking.

 

Ditto on a light coating of RTV on the paper gaskets...

 

I had the local dealer replace the seals again. They doubled up the seals and coated them with a sealant. Time will tell!! Thanks for the input.<br><br>Hydraulic Guy