axle seal question
Thread Starter
3rd Gear Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 599
From:
axle seal question
I just took my axles out and had new bearings pressed on. The guy mentioned that I should make sure to get new seals or it would leak - is he talking about the paper-like gaskets that were on the axle and retainer plate (my wife picked it up for me today or I would have asked the guy myself)? I asked the guy at Classic Auto in LA (good mustang place) and they mentioned that they usually just put some RTVblack sealantwhere the gaskets were. What is the consensus?
4th Gear Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,195
RE: axle seal question
there are two paper gaskets, one between the rearend housing and brake backing plate, and the other between the brake backing plate and axle retaining plate. I don't see any reason why RTV wouldn't work, but i believe there is a drain at the bottom of the axle and backing plate specifically designed to tell you if your seal is bad, that gives the gear oil a place to drainand keeps from contaminating your pads. Just be sure not to fill that gap. RTV will definately make it more difficult to seperate everything once it sets.
5th Gear Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,106
From:
RE: axle seal question
My guess is he is talking about the tube seals that are in the axle openings (tubes). Over time these get brittle and leak. Often whenremoving and replacingaxles, you will bump these and cause a leak. I would change them as they are inexpensive and easy todo.
4th Gear Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,692
From: Houston, Texas
RE: axle seal question
ORIGINAL: groho
there are two paper gaskets, one between the rearend housing and brake backing plate, and the other between the brake backing plate and axle retaining plate. I don't see any reason why RTV wouldn't work, but i believe there is a drain at the bottom of the axle and backing plate specifically designed to tell you if your seal is bad, that gives the gear oil a place to drainand keeps from contaminating your pads. Just be sure not to fill that gap. RTV will definately make it more difficult to seperate everything once it sets.
there are two paper gaskets, one between the rearend housing and brake backing plate, and the other between the brake backing plate and axle retaining plate. I don't see any reason why RTV wouldn't work, but i believe there is a drain at the bottom of the axle and backing plate specifically designed to tell you if your seal is bad, that gives the gear oil a place to drainand keeps from contaminating your pads. Just be sure not to fill that gap. RTV will definately make it more difficult to seperate everything once it sets.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 599
From:
RE: axle seal question
texasaxman has an interesting point - the guy at the mustang shop said that he thought the paper gaskets were to keep the dust from outside from getting into the bearing (might be little holes if it was just a "metal to metal" fit) - so he just uses the rtv
I'm going to have to look when I get home - is there a seal inside the rear-end piece that I didn't notice?
I'm going to have to look when I get home - is there a seal inside the rear-end piece that I didn't notice?
4th Gear Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,483
From: Fontana, California
RE: axle seal question
Here's a shot of my 66 shop manual. there is a circular seal that goes in the end of the axle tube that you should replace. BTW, the paper gaskets are there primarily for element ( dust, water, etc...) resistance.
[IMG]local://upfiles/40367/AD93EEA6E29F48C887FA51B4E7210C2B.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/40367/AD93EEA6E29F48C887FA51B4E7210C2B.jpg[/IMG]
1st Gear Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 135
From:
RE: axle seal question
with the seal they mention the "rubber" seal that sits in the axle tube... those should the axle from leaking oil . to my idea the paper gaskets are more for keeping dirt/dust out
and i certainly would replace those seals when the axcle has been taking out.
arthur
and i certainly would replace those seals when the axcle has been taking out.
arthur
5th Gear Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,106
From:
RE: axle seal question
The paper gasket keeps the nasty away from the sealed bearing (small bearing). The rubber seal inside the tube keeps the oil from leaking. You will notice a little shiny circle a few inches in from the wheel flange, this is where the seal rides. This area needs to be very smooth and shiny otherwise it will eat the seal.