Re: [FWDLK] Rear axle seal

[Mike & Sharon Higgins <clearcreek@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The bearing is not a pre-lubed sealed unit, it is similar to the front wheel bearings.  Usually, it is  the outer seal that might cause problems, but your excessive leakage of oily fluids onto the brakes indicates that it was rear axle lube that leaked.  There is not enough grease in the bearing area to create a problem noticeable enough to have to stop and change the seal. It came through both seals from the rear axle, and can only get out if both seals let it.  It is likely in this case that your bearing is shot, and the excessive play caused the seals to leak.  There is not necessarily a lot of noise from the bearing, it has just worn down, still smooth, but should be replaced.

You mentioned that the brakes showed oil contamination, and although I have treated good brake shoes with the older, Red Can Brakleen,  if the oil has soaked in, you should probably replace both sides when you clean up the mess.

 

Mike Higgins

1955 Belvedere Sport Coupe

 

----- Original Message -----

From: Marg & Don

To: L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sent: Thursday, August 26, 2010 11:37 AM

Subject: [FWDLK] Rear axle seal

On a recent  driving tour of Canada I had the right rear outer seal on my '59 Belvedere leak and contaminate my brake to the extent that I had to have a new seal installed on the road. When I arrived home I checked out my parts book and see that there is an inner seal and an outer seal with a bearing in between.   My questions are 1) is that bearing a sealed bearing, or is it a grease packed bearing?                            2) What would you guys recommend I do??  Change them all out as there                                  is 72,000 miles on the car.                             3)Would the inner seal be leaking as well as the outer seal??   Thanks in advance  Don from Canada

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