How To Fix A Leaking Rear Axle (Replace Axle Seals)

Summary

In this video, Chris Fix demonstrates how to fix a leaking rear axle by replacing the axle seals on a Suzuki X90, driven by Henry from Donut Media. Henry, on a road trip across the country, encounters a major issue with leaking gear oil just before a car show. Chris walks through the entire repair process, including draining differential fluid, removing and replacing the axle seals, installing new drum brakes, and refilling the differential. The video concludes with Henry successfully showcasing his repaired car at the car show, with the axle seals still intact and leak-free.

Takeaways

• 😀 Henry's SUV was leaking gear oil due to bad axle seals, causing it to need refilling every 100 miles before an important car show.
• 😀 Chris Fix uses a variety of tools for the repair, including an 80-piece socket set, a slide hammer, and a torque wrench, highlighting the essential tools needed for a complex task like this.
• 😀 Before starting the job, safety precautions like chocking the wheels and using a jack to lift the car are important to prevent accidents.
• 😀 When draining differential fluid, it's crucial to remove the fill plug first to ensure you can refill it later if needed.
• 😀 Checking the drain plug for metal shavings is necessary as it helps detect potential issues in the differential, though small material build-up is normal.
• 😀 Removing the rear axle involves taking off the drum brakes, loosening fasteners, and using a slide hammer to extract the axle if it's too tight to pull by hand.
• 😀 The old axle seal is removed using a seal removal tool, and care should be taken to note the orientation of the old seal for accurate installation of the new one.
• 😀 The new seal is installed by gently tapping it in with a socket or seal driver, making sure it's straight to avoid damage during installation.
• 😀 After replacing the seals, the old, oil-soaked brake shoes are replaced with new ones to ensure the brakes perform properly.
• 😀 Once everything is reassembled, the differential is refilled with the appropriate gear oil, and the fill bolt is torqued down to specification to prevent leaks.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The video focuses on how to replace a leaking axle seal on a vehicle, demonstrating the process step-by-step.

Why is it important to replace a leaking axle seal?

Replacing a leaking axle seal is crucial to prevent gear oil from leaking, which can lead to differential damage, reduced lubrication, and potential safety issues.

What tools are required to replace an axle seal?

The required tools include a socket set, torque wrench, slide hammer, seal driver, pliers, hammer, and replacement axle seals.

What should be done first when starting the axle seal replacement process?

The first step is to lift the vehicle using a jack and secure it with jack stands, followed by draining the differential fluid.

What is the purpose of using a slide hammer in this process?

A slide hammer is used to remove the axle from its position in the differential, particularly when it is stuck or difficult to remove by hand.

How can you ensure that the new axle seal is properly installed?

To ensure proper installation, use a seal driver or a similar tool to gently seat the new axle seal without damaging it.

What should you check before reassembling the axle?

Before reassembling, make sure the axle and the surrounding components are clean and free from debris, and check for any damage to the axle shaft or seals.

How do you know if the axle seal replacement was successful?

The replacement is successful if there are no signs of oil leakage after reassembly and the vehicle operates smoothly without any unusual noise or issues.

What additional maintenance step is suggested during the axle seal replacement process?

It is suggested to replace the brake shoes if they have been contaminated with gear oil during the axle removal process.

What is the final step after replacing the axle seal?

The final step is to refill the differential with the appropriate gear oil, torque the fill bolt, and test drive the vehicle to ensure there are no leaks.