Axle seals don't need to be torn to leak and they usaully are not torn. what does the greese stuff smell like greese, brake fluid, and gear oil all have very different distinct smells.

 

Well, to answer a few questions, pumping the brake seems to have no effect, it doesn't get any stiffer and the fluid level is fine. Also pads all the way around had plenty of life left in them (minus the grease).

The grease itself does not have a strong odoras I understandgear oil does. It occurred to me when I pulled the axel that someone may have smeared axel grease all over the bearing thinking that was the right thing to do. I know the wheel I pulled in the front had fresh grease caked all over the spindel.

I also noticed that the brake hardware looked new, the master cylinder is new as well. Right now I've got the new seals in and the hardware in place. I stripped one of the brake lines trying to replace the a wheel cylinder so I'll need to get that replaced first then I will try to bleed the lines.

I'll keep you updated.

 

Before putting the axles back in, wipe a bit of silicone around the seal which should help it from leaking. On the rocks, our Jeeps see a lot of side load and doing this helps keep them from leaking and seals up exisitng leaks. It's been forever since I've looked at a Ford axle, but if it is like the Dana 44 in my Jeep, to change the seal you'd have to remove the collar (usually a drill hole and chisel punch) and then press offthe bearing, put on the new seal, and press on the bearing and collar. Make sure you have everything in the correct order and orientation before pressing!!!

Don't know what that grease is doing in there. [sm=wtf.gif]