K20 rear axle leakage!

[1968_K20_4x4]

Hey all,

So the other day I noticed something was leaking from the drivers side of my rear axle. The truck is a '68 K20 and has the eaton HO52 axle. I noticed something had leaked all over the inside of my rear tire from inside the brake drum. I disassembled the axle and am not sure exactly what the problem is. Is it oil leaking from inside the axle? Could the seal be gone? I looked at the hub spindle and it looks pretty worn down. If so what can I do? Should I try replacing the seal and see if that fixes the problem? The seals were replaced only last year. I thought possibly brake fluid leaking but I do not see any evidence of this inside the hub. How can I tell for sure? I will upload pictures for analysis and appreciate any input on this issue. First picture is what the inside of the tire looked like. Second pic is the inside of the wheel hub/brake drum.

[1968_K20_4x4]

Here are a couple of pictures of inside the axle. I have never taken one apart before, but I assume it shouldn't look like oil got everywhere?? lol. When I removed the axle shaft not very much oil drained out, I was expecting there to be more

[B. W.]

The seal needs replaced. The spindle looks good from the photos. Check the area on the spindle where the seals rides. If it's grooved or damaged you can install a repair sleeve. When the seal is out of the hub, check the bearings & races, they should be smooth & shiny.

[1968_K20_4x4]

Thanks for the reply! Any tips on getting the seal out of the hub? Do you have to hammer it out?

[Stocker]

Agree with replacing the seal. I think there may be a tool for removing the old seal, but the few times I have done it, I just hammer it out with a drift.

It's normal for just a small amount of oil to leak from the end of the axle. Check the level when the job is done -- you might not even need to add any.

[GASoline71]

Looks like that "flange" looking part on the spindle is the other half of the seal stuck on there. The middle part of the spindle isn't used for the bearing to ride on. Only the machined surfaces you see on each side of the "rough" area.

Your drum brake shoes will need to be replaced as well. Once they get gear oil on them, they are toast.

Gary

[1968_K20_4x4]

Awesome guys thanks, I checked out a youtube video which was really informative and the guy just gently tapped it out. In the video he mentioned checking the breather tube on the differential to make sure it isnt clogged up because that can cause the seals to leak. I have never seen a breather on my rear axle. Is it there and I am missing it, or do the eaton axles not have this feature? Also since I have the axle apart and my brake shoes are covered in oil I am going to replace them. Can I replace the shoes on the drivers side and not on the passengers side? Or do I need to do both sets?

[mike16]

both sides both seals both sets of shoes

and since you have it that far apart you might want to do the wheel cylinders too

and why not flush the differential and splash some fresh oil in it

[1968_K20_4x4]

Thanks for the advice, you're right while I've got it apart this far I'm going to do the other side while I'm at it, and also change out my gear oil. Good chance to inspect my rear diff. Picked up new brake shoes and seals today, will be installing them when I get a chance. Any further issues and I'll post on here

[saxart]

Originally Posted by 1968_K20_4x4

Thanks for the reply! Any tips on getting the seal out of the hub? Do you have to hammer it out?

I've sometimes used the axle to get the seal out. Just before it pulls out of the seal, use it as pry-bar and pop out the seal. Easy!

[CCCC]

Very good info above. Maybe purchase and extra set of those seals if you plan to keep the truck for a while. Use a flat surface driver to install the new seal - I have cut a clean 2X4 to extend beyond the seal casing but well within the drum and use it wide side down - check level often.

Not recommending this, but I was in a pinch and was able to save and re-use a pair of oily shoes by cleaning thoroughly with brake cleaner (more than once) and letting them bake in summer sun for a while. They ran in OK and looked fine when I later had to go in to rebuild a wheel brake cylinder.

[Stocker]

Since you're gonna change the oil (good idea), you'll be removing the diff cover. Try Permatex 81182 with a gasket to seal it all up. It's made specifically for use with gear oil and has worked well for me.