So last time I drove the car I noticed a small leak at the rear wheel. It looked like oil. Today I took off the rear wheel to put in a new axle vent hose. The shoes and inside of the drum were coated in oil...gear oil. I cleaned them up with brake cleaner.
So now I am looking at replacing the axle seals (both sides are now leaking) I guess after sitting for 18 years they were done. I have researched this (searching is so worthwhile!) and decided that I can do it myself.
Questions: Where should I get the seals?
Should I do the bearings as well? (of course)
Where can I get them?
(I realize they will have to be pressed off and on)
Thanks!

 

Your seals have already ruined your brakes, replace the seals and shoes. My personal favorite dealer is Glazier Nolan, they stock all this stuff. The seal actually has nothing to do with the bearing, that's a sealed unit. One of my axle bearings is 20+ years old, the other one is the 44 year old original. The newer one has over 100,000 miles on it.

 

I read somewhere that you can jack up one side of the axle at a time and not have to drain the diff to replace the seals. Has anyone tried this? If so, can u put the jack under the axle itself? I've never done this so any suggestions would be wlecome.

 

consider replacing the oil. it's cheap and it's probably been in there for 50 years and could stand to be freshened up.

like 2+2 said, replace the friction surfaces on your brakes and clean up the drums with brake cleaner to get rid of the oil. oil or grease on the brakes will cause them to become grabby (counter-intuitive, i know).

 

Bummer, those brakes have less than 20 miles on them. I just rebuilt the entire brake system. Oh well.
Thanks for the info. I'll call Glazier Nolan. I've never dealt with them, but I hear good things.

 

you can try brake cleaner, ive used it in the past on shoes and have had good luck. and yes you can change one side without having to drain the oil. as for the bearings, well when you have the axle out check it. spin it and hear if it makes a sound or feels loose. as for the seals, well id just buy them from your local auto parts store. the bearings are, i believe pressed on, so it will cost about $15.00 labor each.

 

While I like Glazier's, I don't see a reason to get bearings, seals, and brakes from them unless you're placing an order for something else already. All of those parts can be had from your local parts stores.

 

I would go ahead and drain all the fluid from the axle and put fresh stuff in. As for your brakes, liberal applications of brake cleaner may clean them up sufficiently. I would try that at least, since they are new. I agree with what was said about the seals and bearings etc, you should be able to get that stuff at Orielly's or Advance etc. If you need other parts, then make a list and place and order from Glazier Nolan or your favorite parts place.

 

I didn't want to seem like I was compromising safety, but I used about 1/2 a can of brake cleaner and a clean rag on the shoes and they look almost new, so I'm gonna give them a shot as is. I'll go ahead and drain and replace the fluid from the axle. It was on the list anyway. It is an 8" rear, so I'll have to either pump it out or hope there's a drain (can't remember if there is). I'll try Advance or the like for the seals, since they are right down the road. iirc 80-90 weight gear oil goes in the rear end right? I'll check my manual of course. Looks like under $50 for materials and a couple hours labor. I can handle that in the evenings!

 

good luck with the shoes. i've had zero success reviving contaminated shoes or pads. the oil seeps in and returns with a vengeance once they get hot.