Replaced seal, still leaking, time for a new drive axel?

Legofan · Post by **Legofan** » 13 Oct 2016, 04:13

01 T6 with 138k and the right(passenger) axel seal was leaking. I replaced the seal and it still leaks. Is it possible the shaft has warn out of tolerance and I need a new drive axel?

Cees Klumper · Post by **Cees Klumper** » 14 Oct 2016, 00:13

Is the leak coming from the axle itself, ie the rubber boot on either end, or from the transmission that rhe axle pops into? I assume it's the transmission, in which case replacing the axle should not make a difference, I believe.

Legofan · Post by **Legofan** » 14 Oct 2016, 05:08

Cees Klumper wrote:Is the leak coming from the axle itself, ie the rubber boot on either end, or from the transmission that rhe axle pops into? I assume it's the transmission, in which case replacing the axle should not make a difference, I believe.

It's the transmission side, I used a cheap aftermarket seal that was $10. I'm guessing I should use a volvo seal. Replacing it is not a big deal, I just want it to stop leaking. It's not terrible, but I can smell it after a drive somewhere

The axel isn't damaged but you can see where the seal has rubbed for 137k miles. I guess I'll change the seal again.

ThommyKent · Post by **ThommyKent** » 14 Oct 2016, 13:56

When you put the new seal in leave it about a 1mm from seating in the housing so the seal lip rides on a different part of the axle shaft that hasn`t been worn by the old seal

Legofan · Post by **Legofan** » 14 Oct 2016, 13:58

ThommyKent wrote:When you put the new seal in leave it about a 1mm from seating in the housing so the seal lip rides on a different part of the axle shaft that hasn`t been worn by the old seal

Good tip, I'll try that. Thanks.