[bert08]

Hi

I'm having an issue with my rear right axle seal(s).

It was leaking enough to contaminate the shoes and linings but not enough to leak out the bottom of the drum. So i replaced the seal with a new one and turned the slow leak into a flood I had about 20ml of oil on the ground the next morning. Assuming it was a faulty seal/install I replaced that seal with another new one as well and now the leak is not as bad, it took 3 days before their was any evidence of a leak, but none the less its still leaking.

When i had the shaft out i took it down to the mechanic to determine the condition of the bearing and they assured me it was.

For the initial seal replacement i pushed the new seal all the way back until it contacted the oil seal protector but for the second install i pushed the seal in but only until the outer edge lined up with the back of the taper at the opening to the axle end.

My question is how far should the seal be inserted and has anyone else experienced this issue? Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

Cheers

[alien]

What's the chances of a bent axle walking the seal out? Just a thought.

[bert08]

Wow! that's a speedy reply thank you!

There are no obvious signs of a bent axle and the seal was still fully inserted when i removed the axle shaft the second time round. But what would be a more precise way of telling if its bent? at the moment the wheel doesn't wobble when i lift the rear and let it run and the splines on the shaft look ok.

Would a wheel alignment be able to tell if the axle is bent or should i be removing it and taking somewhere to run a dial indicator over it?

[Heathejj97]

I pushed mine in till it sat flush and then it leaked, pushed it 3mm in till it fit tight and not worries I'd imagine a bent axle will chew the seal up which will be visible upon inspection

[Gwagensteve]

I bet the housing is bent, not the axleshaft.

[bert08]

No damage to the seal but I'll push the seal all the way in tonight an see if ther is any difference over the next few days.

Hmm sounds expensive, ill see if I can find a ws that will be able to determine if the axle housing is bent if I still have a leak after the above. I'd expect to see some stress marks on the housing somewhere though, a broken weld, something or will it just bend and show no other sines of damage?

Thanks for the help

[Gwagensteve]

No, you wouldn't necessarily see anything. A wheel alignment will pick it up as negative camber though. Are you pressing the old bearing on and off when you replace the seal? That's not recommended practice. If the bearings are worn or damaged you'll just keep wiping seals out. Are the seal surfaces on the axles clean and free of any damage?

[Dec]

I had a similar issue where i replaced the same seal 3 times, i didn't loose the amount of oil you have though.
My solution was using a genuine Suzuki seal and i shorten my diff breather. Never had another issue.

Cheers

[bert08]

No, not pressing the bearing on and off. I haven't had the bearings off yet as I would replace them with new ones whilst I was there as I don't have a bearing press handy.

The seal surface is good no signs of any damage. I might try a genuine seal but the seals don't look damaged when I remove them.

A wheel alignment to check the axel housing seams the next logical step.

[Bulldog 61]

Keen to hear the outcome, having a similar issue but with a longer timeframe between leaking.

[flymaster]

Happened to my Hilux once, started leaking oil slowly. Bit the bullet and had the diff seals/bearings replaced, drove it home from mechanics and noticed a trickle of oil on backing plate. Checked the diff breather and it was blocked with mud, once cleaned it never leaked diff oil again.
Nick

[Bulldog 61]

flymaster wrote:

Happened to my Hilux once, started leaking oil slowly. Bit the bullet and had the diff seals/bearings replaced, drove it home from mechanics and noticed a trickle of oil on backing plate. Checked the diff breather and it was blocked with mud, once cleaned it never leaked diff oil again.
Nick

I have replaced mine recently with extended breathers so should rule that out

[bert08]

So Can't believe this fixed it so i have waited a while to post my results but it seams a genuine factory seal has fixed it. Its been 3 weeks now and no leak!

Thanks to all for the help provided!

[MrRocky]

I still reckon housing may be slightly bent
Genuine seal is best but aftermarket rears are generally fine in a good housing

[SharkEagle]

I have the same issue. 2010 Jimny ABS. Replaced seals and bearings 6 months ago after the right rear was leaking oil. Now the right rear is leaking again. Pulled it apart and there is play in the bearing and markings on the side indicating it got hot. Surely this should have lasted much more than 6 months and a couple of thousand Km's? Now also suspect something is bent. To check the shaft I thought of taking it to a friend who can run it on lathe between the center points. How do I check for a bent housing as I assume we are only talking a small amount?