Leaking rear seals

[thistle3585]

I have had trouble with my rear AMC20 axle leaking and have had the rear seals replaced at least four times and the bearings once in the last six months. The driver side seals and bearings were replaced once which solved that leak but I have had no luck at all with the passenger side. I have taken it to a very reputable shop who I have had a relationship for 20+ years but it starts to leak again a month or so after the work is done. So far, they have redone them for free under warranty. Anyone have any ideas? I appreciate their willingness to back their work but there has to be something else going on. Its not a small leak either. There's a large puddle next to the tire. I'm wondering if there is something specific to this model or axle that the shop may not be aware of. I'm at a loss at this point and the only other thing I can think of is to replace the axles.

 

[hagar]

Axle housing bent to where the axle isn't centered in the seal ?
Re-installation of axle shaft taking out the new seal ?
Bent axle ?
Crooked seal installation ?

I'm out of possibilities for you.

 

[Old Dog]

When you replaced the bearings did you get the from the makers of the axles or did you use set 9 bearings and retainers?

 

[DHugg]

Had what I thought was leaking rear brake cylinders when I brought my '80 CJ7 home, but it was seals on both sides. While I had the tubes opened and clean, I put in Superior one-piece rear axles. Both sides now tight as a drum head after two years' use. Could your axle shafts be sliding in-out a bit when cornering, from wear, punching the seals around enough to leak?

No experience behind that thought..... just another idea.

 

[thistle3585]

When you replaced the bearings did you get the from the makers of the axles or did you use set 9 bearings and retainers?

I have no idea as I had a shop do the work for me. I can check with them Monday and see if he can answer that question. Can you elaborate easily on the difference? As I understand it these are the original axles.

 

[Old Dog]

As I understand it these are the original axles.

Never mind than, I thought you had 1 piece axles.

 

[thistle3585]

I should have mentioned that the axle has lockers. Also, I believe that part of the Jeeps history includes its use with an outdoor company running supplies to hunting camps. So, it probably has had a rough life.

 

[mtnwhlr]

Axle housing bent to where the axle isn't centered in the seal ?

I'm leaning to this.

 

[73CJ]

I'm leaning to this.

Ditto

 

[thistle3585]

Thanks for your help. I am guessing that my best bet at this point is to replace the axle shaft on that side. I do have an unknown brand of locker on the rear axle. Would that play a role in which axle shaft I purchase?

 

[thistle3585]

How do I determine if the housing or the shaft is bent? I would assume its easier to replace a shaft than repair it. How do you repair a bent housing?

 

[thiswontbetooexpensive]

How do I determine if the housing or the shaft is bent? I would assume its easier to replace a shaft than repair it. How do you repair a bent housing?

The shaft is easy, roll it like a pool stick in the bar to see any major discrepencies, just make sure you are checking it on a very flat level surface. Shiny finished concrete would work well, or the kitchen table if that won't get you in the dog house!

The tube could be checked using a straightedge. I have a 36" SS straightedge that was given to me years ago by a machineist (SP?) friend of mine. The shop we worked in just didn't call for that length of a ruler and I gladly accepted. Never could turn down a free tool!

Might be easier to replace that repair the bent housing. I have a lot of metal working experience and this could be done with a rosebud torch and a very large wet rag.

PM me if you like and I can tell you over the phone how to do it better than I can write it here!

 

[thiswontbetooexpensive]

If you dont have a long straightedge, you can also check it using two framing squares. Place them parallel to each other and measure the distance between for squareness if that makes any sense...

 

[thistle3585]

I talked with the mechanic at the shop which has done the work to date. They want to make it right, so he and I went over several possible scenarios and came up with either a bent shaft or a bent housing. After talking about it, we decided to start by replacing the shaft on that side. He gave me a a very fair price to do the work that I really couldn't turn down. I'm probably out more simply with the time in doing all the research. He told me that it isn't rocket science by any means, so I'm going to see if he'll walk me through it in his shop so I could at least learn how to do it properly. They have handled our fleet of vehicles for 30+ years, so we have a great relationship and they're willing to go the extra mile for me.

 

[thiswontbetooexpensive]

Thats great to hear. Good luck with it!

 

[Rmullerkc]

Sounds like you may have it under control but, I had to have the bearing spacers machined down about an 1/8" on mine. I was an aftermarket one piece conversion axle.