Replacing Rear bearing & seals on Dana 60 any Tips/Tricks??

[So.Cal.Super]

I was leaving work last night and noticed an oil spot on the ground at my rear tire, when I inspected it closer it looks like the axle seal gave out. I just had changed the rear dif a few weeks earlier and this looked like new oil.

I am going to swing by the auto parts store and order seals and bearings. I figure it is best to do both and both sides at the same time. if memory serves me there should be c clips to remove in the rear to pull the axles out.

anything else I should know or look out for? any special tools besides a really big hammer

thanks.

[So.Cal.Super]

anything?

[Frizzle Fry]

I had to make an attachment for my slide hammer to get the bearing races out of my 12-bolt. They sell puller for like $75... My mod cost me nothing. Let me know if you want pics.

[So.Cal.Super]

pics would be great if you have them. thanks.

[1969 GMC]

is your truck a half ton? If it's a 3/4 ton, the axleshafts just unbolt and slide out.

[jbarron]

The Dana 60 is easy(relatively) to change the rear seals at the wheels.
The seal is located on the wheel hub. You just need to remove the wheel, drum, axle and then the big ass nut holding the hub. The axle just slides out since it is a floater, no clips inside to remove, just the 8 bolts on the end of the axle. You can get a tool to remove the hub nuts, or just work them off if you don't have a socket big enough(~2 1/2). If you haven't service the bearings it might be a good idea to change them and the races. Also gear oil will drain out the end of the axle tube, so get ready to catch it in a can. If you are seeing oil then the pads are probably wet. Spray down with brake cleaner to dry the oil out of the pads. Stay away from the rubber seals on the wheel cylinder with the cleaner.

[So.Cal.Super]

thanks jb

[rwgregory]

Greetings from Chula Vista. What part of Insane Diego do you call home??

[CharlieBrown]

wet the bearings down good with gear oil before you assemble it..and fill the valley between the bearings in the hub with gear oil also..dont worry about the mess...

bead of silicone on the axle before you bolt it to the hub


that gear oil will keep the bearings wet till the axle pulls the gear oil to them

[haysonj]

I would also put a little RTV on the outside of the seal before you install it in the hub. I had one that leaked there

[So.Cal.Super]

thanks for all the info. and RW I'm in El cajon.

[Frizzle Fry]

Not sure if this applies to a D60 but here's the pics of my puller as promised:

[WorkinLonghorn]

Just a minor note and it's bee 9 years since I did this job (seals) on my D60; Be careful when you replace the axle NOT to bang the seal at any time. That is often (I hear) how it gets messed up in the first place.
Re: Shoes that have been soaked in oil. I would just spring for a new set of the highest quality shoes. If you clean and dry the old ones as suggested I would be a bit concerned about their effectiveness and balance in braking effort,side to side.

[So.Cal.Super]

Thanks!