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Rear wheel leaking fluid into brake drum


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Guest
Anonymous Poster
sorr@bak.rr.com

May 9, 2009, 11:40 AM

Post #1 of 8 (5482 views)
  post locked   Rear wheel leaking fluid into brake drum  

1994
Ford E-150 half ton van
5.8L
180,000 Mi.


Hello everyone. A few years ago when having my tires changed the guy told me that I had a leak in the drivers side brake drum. I'm pretty sure he said something like "axle seal leak" or "wheel hub leak".

Does anyone know exactly what this is called? I think I can fix it myself, but I don't know what parts to buy. I have a Chilton's guide for the van, but it only covers wheel bearing replacement, not axle seal replacement. Is this something I can do at home with normal tools?


way2old
Veteran / Moderator
way2old profile image

May 9, 2009, 1:04 PM

Post #2 of 8 (5472 views)
  post locked   Re: Rear wheel leaking fluid into brake drum  

If it is an axle seal, yes you can do it at home. We will need to know what type axle you have. As the styles have different repair procedures. If it is the standard Ford rear end, you need to jack up the vehicle, place on jackstands, remove wheels and drums, place pan under rear end, remove rear end cover, rotate rear end gear until you see a small 5/16 head bolt, remove the bolt, remove the thru pin, push axle in to the center, remove the "C" clip on the axle, remove axle. Use the axle as a toolo to remove the old seal. Then clean the seal housing, install new seal squarely, install axle, install clip, install thru pin and lock bolt, clean rear end cover and either have a new gasket or good quality silicone sealer, install rear end cover, fill with proper rear-end grease. WHeeeeeeewwww! Took almost as long to type this as it does to do the repair.Wink Only forseeable problem is the little lick bolt is apt to break. Be really careful on that part. Good luck.



Being way2old is why I need help from younger minds


Guest
Anonymous Poster

May 9, 2009, 2:22 PM

Post #3 of 8 (5470 views)
  post locked   Re: Rear wheel leaking fluid into brake drum  

I think Ive done a bad job in describing my problem. It sound like you explained how to replace the seals at the differential itself, my problem is closer to the wheel assembly. Aren't there seals in the wheel area that prevent axle grease from leaking into the brake drum housing? If so, those are the seals I'm taking about. The entire inside of the brake drum is soaked in oil, shoes included. Here are some pictures, I hope they help.





way2old
Veteran / Moderator
way2old profile image

May 9, 2009, 3:21 PM

Post #4 of 8 (5464 views)
  post locked   Re: Rear wheel leaking fluid into brake drum  

Good pictures. The axle seal is at the end of the axle. I saw other pictures you posted on other sites and the seal is what is leaking. You have to remove the axle to get to the seals. The seals go around the axle at the point you pointed out on the other pictures. Once you follow the instructions, and remove the axle, you will see the seal. Please do not be confused by the other pictures you are trying to compare your vehicle to. These are 2 completely different rear end set ups.



Being way2old is why I need help from younger minds


Guest
Anonymous Poster

May 9, 2009, 3:53 PM

Post #5 of 8 (5461 views)
  post locked   Re: Rear wheel leaking fluid into brake drum  

Lol, caught me posting things on other sites eh? Yeah, the guy on there offering me advice has surely cleared up a few things for me. I didn't understand that the axle had to be messed with inside the differential area. You gotta to all that just to change out a seal huh? What about wheel bearings. Do I have to pull the axle just to swap those out?


way2old
Veteran / Moderator
way2old profile image

May 9, 2009, 4:15 PM

Post #6 of 8 (5460 views)
  post locked   Re: Rear wheel leaking fluid into brake drum  

Yes you do. The axle bearings are just behind the axle seal. Good luck on the repair.



Being way2old is why I need help from younger minds


dan777
New User

Oct 3, 2011, 4:10 PM

Post #7 of 8 (4848 views)
  post locked   Re: Rear wheel leaking fluid into brake drum  

This reply is for way2old...I have a 1995 half ton e150 with the 5.8L also. I recently tried to pull the rear axles to replace the bearings and just as you said, the little lock bolt broke! I tried drilling for a bolt extractor, but had no luck. Are there any other options to get that bolt out?


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Oct 3, 2011, 4:28 PM

Post #8 of 8 (4847 views)
  post locked   Re: Rear wheel leaking fluid into brake drum  

This thread is over 2 years old. If you need help with something, please start a new question of your own.



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