Front Axle Inner Seal Replacement

Well I've succeeded in ruining the first pair of seals I bought. I had already surmised that my big socket was too tall to effectively hit it inside the carrier.

So, my fist attempt I used a piece of all thread with big washers and attempted ro pull it in to place. It cocked a little then I used a drift, at an angle, to,try to square it up. Result=mangled.

Second attempt I found the crankshaft washer off of a 454 project that was almost the perfect diameter to overlay the seal. I tapped in it and got it started, and again it cocked. I tried to control the hammer blows to level it out. Didn't work.

In both cases it seems like the seal was a bit oversized which caused it to cock before starting.

Any tips on doing this successfully? PS the ring gear carrier is removed.

 

I got a socket of the correct diameter and ran all my extensions though the tube and whacked it in that way. HF sells seal installers that do similar if you dont have that size socket.

 

X2

 

X3 just about the only thing I use my 3/4" socket set for anymore.

 

Thanks to all. I've got some more ideas now. Will pick up some new seals and get after it again.

 

Got a number for that seal? Might be helpful in future searches.

 

Use a smaller hammer

 

The new seals are National 40576S. They are significantly better than the pair I got from a "Jeep parts" vendor. I will post pictures to show the difference later. I don't think I would have ruined them if they were like the ones I just bought.

 

Did the same thing, got the right socket and used all my extensions as well as my breaker bar, takes time, then I got a seal installer works great!

Some of the seals you get from the Jeep venders are crap, looks like cloth instead of rubber, always use the best seal you can get for this, not fun to have to do over again, kinda like doing a clutch job, while you have it out check the rear main seal!

 

hahahaha good ol PBR... the right size socket works good ,sometimes i just use the old seals and drive them in with a small brass hammer using the old seals to beat on