Leaking Ford 9" outter bearing.

[twistedtj]

I searched and didnt see anything, but a post from 2002. Which I am sure I am not the first one with this problem.

Anyway, I got my 9" all together and it is leaking on the driver's side outter onto the brake rotor. I tried to put some ATV on it, but didnt work. Is there a certain way to stop it from leaking? It may be the outter seal needs to be replaced, as it is old, but didnt know if there was a better way.

As for the outter seal that has to be pressed off and replcaed correct?

[Apogee]

That depends on which type of axle bearing and seal you are running. There are three basic types that I am aware of.

1. Seal pressed into the axle tube
2. Sealed ball bearing pressed onto the axle shaft
3. Tapered roller bearing with funky seal that mates with the bearing...also trapped on the axle shaft.

Odds are that you have number 2. or 3. above and have a bad axle bearing which has caused the bearing seal to leak. If it is either of the bearing type seals then I would suggest replacing the bearing at the same time. :D Just as a note...the bearing retainer is fairly easy to remove with a chisel and a 2# sledge. Just set it on an anvil and give it a few sharp hits and it will break. The bearing should press off at that point...some are easier than others. The last one that I did wouldn't come off with a 30 ton press, although admittedly I didn't have the best spreader plates for the job. That one came off with a Metabo (friction cut-off).

[NetBSD]

just pull it and replace bearing and seals and be done with it, i took mine to a local shop to get the new ones pressed on, costs me $35 USD to get the old ones burnned off and new ones pressed on, but its hard to find a place that will do that with your parts, i asked around and everyone wouldnt do the job with my bearings and seals, they wanted to use their own and they were like $50 each, anyway back to the point, i just did my 9" 3 months ago before i replaced the whole axel and its still sealed nicely, whenever i pull an axel i always change the seals, last thing you need is water getting in the diff.

[twistedtj]

Thanks for the info. Yes I have the tappered bearings with the funky seal that is trapped on the shaft. Sounds like I should get new bearings for both sides and the needed seals. I was concerned with it leaking. Didnt think about water getting in. Now I really want to get them changed.
Where is a good place to get these? Yeah, that is the thing, a machine shop here would do it, but wants one hour. I guess that would be better than a toasted rear end.

[twistedtj]

I ordered the tapered bearings, seal, and retaining collar from Randy's for both sides. I knew I should have done this from the beginning. Now I just have to have the old stuff pressed off and the new stuff back on. I guess now would be a good time to install my Currie brackets that do away with the backing plate spacer. I have found that people cut the collar off and remove the bearing, then just have a shop install the new stuff to save a few bucks, but I will probably just have them do it all so they see how far it was pressed on and where it was originally.

[NetBSD]

im feeling your pain right now, today i was out showing off in the paths running over trees asbig as my 35" tires and somehow i killed a seal in the rightg side rear axel (i just installed this axel and didnt think the seals would hold) so now i have to go and get new seals and probly bearings unless my old axel is the same i could just reuse those bearings and seals but im not sure, but anyway at the shop they should only charge about $50 tops to remove/install new seals bearings, thats how much mine was cuz i removed the axels for them.

good luck

[Dr.Doom]

Make sure your axle vent is clear.

[NetBSD]

thats the first thing all peopel should check before they ride, i always do as im always in deep water and mud with alot of dust so i always make sure its clear

[broncman]

2 things will kill a 9 inch outer axle seal and make them leak.

1. a stopped up vent line. Thermal expansion of air inside will force oil out.
2. Side to side slop due to a bent or "oilcanned" retaining collar. If the axle has any play with the tapered bearings it will let the seal move as well and leak.

[twistedtj]

Vent tube is clear. I think it is the bearings and seals. Not sure how old they are.

How much oil should the 9" take? I put 4 quarts, then decided to put 5 quarts in it.

[twistedtj]

Update:
Problem seems to be solved. I bought new bearings, seals, and collar for each side from Randy's for like $70 and had a local machine shop cut off the old stuff and press on the new stuff for $30.

On another note- I have added about 5.5 quarts of lube in there and still not comming out of the fill hole. How much does this thing take? It is the one that tappers down. :confused:

[NetBSD]

mine took almost 6 the first time i did it, i have no clue why, then the second time it only took 5 even.

make sure your on a flat and let it sit for a lil after you put it in to see if it starts coming out.

NOTE: the more of an angle your axel is on the more/less it will take

[hotwheelsYJ]

On another note- I have added about 5.5 quarts of lube in there and still not comming out of the fill hole. How much does this thing take? It is the one that tappers down. :confused:
My pinion is turned up pretty high and I normally get about 1.5 gallons in mine.
Gonna shave it soon to save alittle of that.

[twistedtj]

My pinion is turned up pretty high and I normally get about 1.5 gallons in mine.
Gonna shave it soon to save alittle of that.

Yeah, mine is turned to about 22* and I already shaved mine about 2" on the backside. I guess I will add more till it comes out of the fill plug, to be sure the pinion bearing is getting the lube it needs.

[79'cj-5]

Which is a better set up …. Axle bearing w/ seals build in or separate seals and bearings?

When I pulled my axles they had a separate seal up farther into the axle tube. Could I use a sealed bearing and not worry about replacing the separate seal located farther up in the axle tube?

[Stowe]

Are there any inner axle seals? Im used to Inner and outer seals.... so the fluid can go from side to side and not just stay in the pumpkin?