JimiJams

Hey,

This is probably a really dumb question (maybe the dumbest), but I'm in the middle of replacing a rear axle seal and I was wondering if I should clear the fluid inside the housing past the seal. I would think it's natural for fluid to be in there otherwise when the axle seal blew we'd have to replace whatever seal blew further inside the housing as well.

Also, the bonus question; do you think synthetic fluid can slip past the seal too easily and should be avoided?

Thanks! Andrew

Performance1

Andrew,
The axle seal is designed to keep gear oil "inboard" thereby preventing the oil to travel "out" and into/onto things like your brakes/brake drums, etc.
So any gear oil you've encountered between your axle seal and your brake drum backing plate definitely needs to be cleaned off.

I've never used syn oil before so I can't comment on that.
Cheers

brianh699

The seal will hold synthetic fluid and will probably last longer with it. Synthetic is bad if you have a leak because it lubricates better and will lubricate the leak making it worse. New seal no worries.

JimiJams

performance, I was asking about the other side of the seal. Should there be oil inside the axle housing? Like I said, I'm assuming so, otherwise people wouldn't just replace the axle seal. Basically I'm just wondering if the fluid should stay inside of the differential and out of the housing, but I think it is supposed to be in the housing as well, just obviously not past the seal and out onto your brakes and what not.

Cool Brian, I think I'll stay with synthetic, a topic of never ending controversy...

nothingbetter

I will agree with both of their answers. Its nice when people give reason to their answer instead of just "yes" or "no"

Jimi, there is no seal to stop fluid from entering the housing from the differential. Oil in the housing is normal and expected.

happy wrenching

JimiJams

Thank you nothingbetter, that's all I was wondering...I mean...I knew that, I was just testing you