dana 44 axel seal leaking

[wibilly]

i have aleaking oil seal on my front axel. what is involved in replacing them? i asume i have to pull the hubs, axels and the carier.when iput it back togather will the ring and pinion still be as is now or need to be set up again? any thing else i'm overlooking?

[zeeklu]

Have you made sure the vent isn't pluged up? Mine was and it pushed oil past the seal as it warmed and cooled without even been driven. You pretty much have it on what needs to be done. You won't have to reset the ring and pinion, just keep the shims where they came out of. It's really not too bad of a job. Chris

[LONGHAIR]

Good advice about the vent cap. I would definately look there first.

But, it is a lot of work to replace the inner axle seals, if that is the case. No offence to zeeklu, but if a person has never done this before, it can be overwhelming. Unlike replacing an axle, which can be done from one side, you have to essentially strip the entire axle (except for the pinion). For the un-initiated, this is a big job. Removing the spindles generally is quite a challenge.
I am not saying that it can't be done..........it is not rocket surgery. If it is not your daily driver or you have a long weekend, go for it.

[zeeklu]

It's been a long time since I did mine but I don't remember pulling the spindles.I think the axles slid right through them. Key word is think.It is a big job but too complicated depending on ability. Chris

[Husker]

I have the same problem, but leaks out when park slanted toward the passenger side. Will have to blow some air into vent tube.
Zeeklu, Nice truck i voted it TOTY.
Ron

[zeeklu]

Mine did the same thing, it only leaked when it was parked leaning to one side or the other. Be careful when blowing into the vent you might make a mess. I unscrewed it and then blew it out.I replaced the seals before I fixed the problem. Thanks for the compliment and vote. Chris

[hilbilly]

You have to pull the spindles to remove the front axle shafts

[zeeklu]

You guys are right ,you do have to pull the spindles.I was thinking of the knuckles. Chris

[LONGHAIR]

It turns into a "can of worms". You end up fixing/servicing a lot of stuff "while you are in there". It takes time, especially if you have never done it before.

[TLoz]

I'm working on the same thing this week and most likely the next month. I've got it down to the spindles. Found 3 non-useable bearings, replaced the 2 wheel seals, purchased new warn hubs, new ball joints and still haven't got to the axle. The spindles are being very difficult. I've got them soaking in kroil, should come loose soon. Found something interesting, the caliber plate had the inner ring rusted off. Anybody know where one can be purchased. Assuming I get the spindles off, axles out and pumkin out-should I change the pinion seal while I'm there? Thanks, Tom

[hilbilly]

beat the hell out the spindles with 2x4 stud. they'll come off & no worries of screwing up the threads

[LONGHAIR]

should I change the pinion seal while I'm there?

That's the one thing you can change with-out tearing all of the rest of that stuff apart.

But..."While you are in there" and need to change the pinion seal anyway, you might as well pop the pinion out too. You can inspect the bearings on it too.
Because of lock-out hubs, the ring and pinion are not constantly moving like the wheel bearings do.....but, they generally don't get serviced as often either. Look for pitting of the rollers and the races more than the heat/wear that is more associated with wheel bearings.

Spindles can be a real bear. They are a press fit with fairly large contact surfaces. Rust plays a major factor over time. For the really stubborn ones...yes, there is a tool. It threads onto the spindle and you bang it off with a slide hammer. (I guess that is 2 tools if you don't already have a slide hammer)

[wibilly]

sad thing is i had the whoke front end apart changed every bearing seal o ring and joint drained and refilled with amsoil and didnt change the pinion or carrier seals or bearings even though i bought a complete Richmond ring and pinion instalation kit and had it on the shelf

[LONGHAIR]

The pinion seal can still be changed. It doesn't require any disassembly other than driveshaft and yoke.

[72lb4x4]

You can borrow the spindle puller from Autozone and probably other parts stores...

[TLoz]

Wibilly - I didn't mean to hi-jack your thread. Hopefully you don't have the issues I've been having. I got one spindle off by soaking it in kroil for two days, then applying a little heat to it. It popped right off. The other side is still soaking. Thanks all for the input. Tom

[msgross]

Originally Posted by TLoz

Wibilly - I didn't mean to hi-jack your thread. Hopefully you don't have the issues I've been having. I got one spindle off by soaking it in kroil for two days, then applying a little heat to it. It popped right off. The other side is still soaking. Thanks all for the input. Tom

I used an air chisel where the spindle met the knuckle... they are a PAIN though.... NAPA sells a complete spindle seal kit while your at it... Be sure to repack your bearings and I would also get the spindle nut socket from autozone if you don't have one yet... I bought it for $10...

[TLoz]

MSGross-Are vacationing at the lovely Fort Rucker?