front axle seals shot

BLK01 · May 8, 2012

hey y'all, i have been lurking around trying to learn as much as possible and just started posting. Here is my problem, my front passenger side was making all kind of racket so i jacked up and had all kind of play when i tried to move the wheel, so i got a new unit bearing. when i took the stock hub off the needle bearings fell on the ground, so when i got the unit bearing off i noticed the axle had a lot of play...like way too much play and the seal that you can see when you have the unit off...what is that called, and also the one just on the other side of the stub shaft, on the outside of the axle tube. and how to replace them. i tried to pull out on the axle and couldn't get it to budge. i have tried searching but for some reason cant really find anything. any help is awesome.

its a 2001 f250 7.3 4x4 xlt with manual hubs

Zaairman · May 8, 2012

I think you're talking about the dust seals, those always come out. Nothing to really worry about. And the axle shaft is going to have a lot of play when you have the unit bearing off of it...

91turbogsx · May 8, 2012

You have to pry the axle out. The hub seal is holding it in. That's the one you see behind where the bearing assembly would be. The other seal is a dust seal. They usually recommend replacing the hub seals if they are removed but being manual hubs you could get away with reusing them if they aren't shot. Also requires a special driver to get them on if replaced f you want to do it correctly. Some people make their own.

OTC-6695

907DAVE · May 9, 2012

Yup!

Prybar between the inner axle shaft and housing to remove..and that super nifty tool to install new seals on stub axle - and to install axle assembly into steering knuckle. You will be hating life if you try to do it any other way.

haulin99sdp · May 9, 2012

i drove my seals on my axle first......... put the knuckle back on and grease around everything really good too...(even the new seals) and slide the axle with new seals through the knuckle......... bolt new bearing assembly's in and reassemble lockers.........
(i cleaned and greased everything extremly well when i did mine)

its not a bad job to do, just pricey..... i also added some xtra grease when i did mine.

BLK01 · May 9, 2012

on the inside of the knuckle it looks like the outer metal race part has separated from the rest of it, and should i just take it to ford and have them put on a new one since it has to be pressed on?

Zaairman · May 9, 2012

Ford will probably charge you $600-800 for the job. They're not pressed on, you use a BFH and that special tool. Most dealers will loan them out if you ask nicely. I know my local Ford dealer has 2 of em sitting on the parts dept shelf right up front.

Dslfumes · May 9, 2012

If your needle bearings were bad in your old hub assembly you are probably going to want to install a new stub shaft. Any mark or groove on the stub shaft will destroy the new needle bearings in short order.

BLK01 · May 10, 2012

there are some marks, but no bad grooves or anything. im gonna go to ford this weekend and see if they have the driver and hopefully by monday it will be fixed

TheSmokinStroke2002 · May 10, 2012

Dslfumes said:
If your needle bearings were bad in your old hub assembly you are probably going to want to install a new stub shaft. Any mark or groove on the stub shaft will destroy the new needle bearings in short order.

:whs: mine needs them on both sides. i eat through bearings about every 5 months on a good set. I just keep buying duralast ones for now though i am going to either find a new axle or totally rebuild mine. Having offset wheels and 35's does not help my case either.

Drivers side. this was the start of a new trend of repairs :morons:

BLK01 · May 10, 2012

well, looks like im gonna be getting a stub shaft soon then haha. good thing its almost payday haha

Dslfumes · May 10, 2012

If you go to ford ask for a stub shaft for a F450. If you ask for a 250 or 350 they will tell you that it only comes as an assembly with inner and outter axle. I got mine from an axle shop for around $95.

BLK01 · May 10, 2012

well i think im gonna shop for a used one. that is some good info though. thanks guys for all the help

91turbogsx · May 10, 2012

Check eBay This link will take you directly to what you need.

I buy most of my Spicer parts from this guy on eBay. So much cheaper buying direct Spicer parts than through Ford. Spicer makes the original equipment (OEM) for Ford.

And if you need the U joint as well I use this guy...Spicer front axle u joints.

BLK01 · May 10, 2012

dang, yeah im definitely gonna get that first thing Saturday...gotta love those military paydays haha

Enslow · May 15, 2012

Mine just started leaking a little while ago, replaced them last yr when I did the ball joints, Are there inner seals that would need replacing as well? Or just the outter right behind the knuckle?

91turbogsx · May 15, 2012

If you are getting gear oil from the axle tube the seals you need to replace are in the differential. The outer one you are talking about is just a dust seal to try to keep mud/dirt out of the axle tube.

Enslow · May 16, 2012

Yea must be inner since its leaking out of the axle, how difficult is it to replace inner seals?

GreasyFingers · Jun 1, 2012

You can make your own seal tool instead of buying/renting one. I used a pipe nipple, end cap, and a floor flange. You will have to grind the flange to the right diameter to fit inside the seal. I think I spent <$10 and about 15 min. grinding. If you like I can get the pipe size you’ll need.

EDIT: Here is where I sole the idea from; http://www.superdutypsd.com/ball_joint_article.php