Hub vs. axle seal leak?

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Jun 25, 2019 | 05:10 PM

Rusty Bob

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From: Placencia, Belize, Central America

Hub vs. axle seal leak?

1979 4x4 pickup. I have a good leak from inside of front driver side hub. How do I figure out if it’s the felt seal on the hub or the (more serious) internal axle seal?

Last edited by Rusty Bob; Jun 25, 2019 at 05:12 PM. Reason: Added model year

Jun 25, 2019 | 05:24 PM

millball

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From: Southern Arizona

The felt seal is just a wiper to keep grit out of the knuckle and its grease.

If there's a liquid leak, the axle seal has failed.

Jun 25, 2019 | 05:46 PM

Rusty Bob

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From: Placencia, Belize, Central America

Quote:

Originally Posted by millball

The felt seal is just a wiper to keep grit out of the knuckle and its grease.

If there's a liquid leak, the axle seal has failed.

Ack. Thanks @millball - it looks like my weekends just evaporated! Any recommendations on what I should look out for as I break the axle down or special tools i might need, or super tricky bits on reassembly?

Last edited by Rusty Bob; Jun 25, 2019 at 05:46 PM. Reason: Typos