4rockclimber

After a recent drive from SF to LA i noticed alot of diff fluid around the rear passenger tire. hoping it was just the seal i pulled the axle and noticed that a few of the ballbearings had grenaded..got the bearing pulled and a new one pressed in.

My question is if i should replace the inner seal before i put the axle back in?
i heard that if the inner seal is leaking the oil could wash out the grease in the bearing and causa a failure similar to what i saw.. the seal LOOKS PERFECT and i had them replace the outer seal when they prssed the bearing. but i dont want to put it all back together and have the seal destroy another bearing..

any thoughts..

Bill

When is it ever a bad idea to replace seals?

If there is the slightest concern, just do it. Seals arn't overly expensive, and easy to change(once you've got the axle out), so just do it.

Elvota

I'd just leave the old seal in. If it looks perfect, I am sure it will be fine.

If it leaks after it is all put back together it's not like it's that hard to drain the oil, undo the emergency brake, the four bolts that hold on the axle, pull the axle, remove the old seal and then put in a new one, slide the axle back in, snug down those bolts, hook the E-brake back up and fill the diff.

Of course if you don't like doing everything twice it might be best to replace it now, but where is the thrill in that?