Need help.. Dana 44 leaking axle seals.

[68gmsee]

At first I thought it was the brake cylinder but found out it's leaking on the inside of the brake backing plate. I checked on the other side and there's no oil there.

I read something about replacing the seals but I can't figure out how to remove the pin on this sucker. Any ideas?

[BLAZERMAN]

The Dana 44 is not a C clip axle so you wont have to remove the cross shaft. There should be a 4 bolt retaining plate that also holds the backing plate on..remove that and the axle should slide out..you may have to try and lever it out or find a way to tap it out from the back side. You shouldnt have to use a puller unless its really stuck for some reason. You will have to have a press to remove the axle bearing since the seal is on the other side of it..but its a good time to replace those as well. Good Luck

[BLAZERMAN]

Originally Posted by 68gmsee

At first I thought it was the brake cylinder but found out it's leaking on the inside of the brake backing plate. I checked on the other side and there's no oil there.

I read something about replacing the seals but I can't figure out how to remove the pin on this sucker. Any ideas?

Easiest way to determine whats leaking is smell...gear oil has a smell all its own!

[68gmsee]

Thanks Blazerman. I spend 30 minutes trying to figure out how that pin comes out.

This truck was a ranch truck and only has 30K original miles on it. It's only been driven about once or twice a week. Do you think I should still replace the bearings?

[BLAZERMAN]

Thats your call..if they look good and no pitting or galling then you can probably get by with using them. But they do have to come off with a shop press in order to even get to that seal, if its something that still isnt driven much then I might just slap it back together....but if your starting to drive it more on the roads I would check into a set of Timpken bearings and just do this job once.

[68gmsee]

I just started taking the bolts off the plate. I'll check the bearings when I remove the axles. Thanks.

[68gmsee]

One more question...

Got the axle out and wiped off. Bearing turns smooth and firm with no noise or noticeable wear. However, it looks like this is a sealed bearing? Is this correct? There's also an oil seal at the end of the axle shaft.

If it's a sealed bearing, I'll just have the Napa machine shop replace the bearing and l'll get the inner seal also.

[Husker]

I just did My Jeep CJ and they are setup the same way kinda. I don't think it is a sealed bearing but could be. The seals are cheap at Napa. Make sure ya seal the flange whith some silicone when you go back together. Hope this helps
Ron