C1 Solid Axle Seal Leak?

[Bob B.]

Hi all,

My 1960 is leaking grease from the left axle a lot and some from the right. Because I put them in, I thought I'd messed up, so I just took it to my trusted Chevy dealer and favorite mechanic. He pulled both axles out and nothing was wrong at all. (I almost wish there had been, so it could have been fixed!)

We discussed the problem and decided to check and see if the vent tube (posi rear) is clogged. This hasn't been done yet but, if that doesn't turn out to be the problem, I'm wondering if anyone has a suggestion of what the problem might be and where to go from here?

Thanks,

Bob

[Terry D.]

Re: C1 Solid Axle Seal Leak?

Bob
Had the same problem with a 57. Had the axles out 4 or 5 times, no one had a solution. Finally went to my local bearing dealer to see if I could get an oversized o ring. Told them the problem and they sold me Loctite 680(retaining compound) tried it and no leaks for two years now.

It is a liquid, but just put some on the axle housing and around the bearing and slap it together. I think I waited 24 hours for it to set up.
Terry

[Terry D.]

Re: C1 Solid Axle Seal Leak?

Bob
Had the same problem with a 57. Had the axles out 4 or 5 times, no one had a solution. Finally went to my local bearing dealer to see if I could get an oversized o ring. Told them the problem and they sold me Loctite 680(retaining compound) tried it and no leaks for two years now.

It is a liquid, but just put some on the axle housing and around the bearing and slap it together. I think I waited 24 hours for it to set up.
Terry

[Terry F.]

Re: C1 Solid Axle Seal Leak?

I am not certain of the rear axle seal configuration but, be certain the seal is facing the right direction. Also, I suspect it would be a double lip seal. So there should be a wiper lip facing away from the housing and a seal lip facing towards the axle housing. You may also consider using a sealer on the surface between the seal and the axle housing (everything should be bone dry to do that). Depending on the configuration of the seal, it can be very easy to put them in backwards. Doen't just show the seal to the counter man and ask for another. Make sure you are getting the right seal for the application. Typically, the seal will have a small steel spring surrounding the circumference of the rubber part of the seal. Another thing...look at the journal of the axle and make sure it is not badly groved or pitted. Also make certain the bearings are in good shape. If you can remove the old seals without damaging them, look at them closely and see why they failed. If you have a worn sealing surface, you can sometimes use a seal that will ride in a different location and get by. Good luck, Terry

[Terry F.]

Re: C1 Solid Axle Seal Leak?

I am not certain of the rear axle seal configuration but, be certain the seal is facing the right direction. Also, I suspect it would be a double lip seal. So there should be a wiper lip facing away from the housing and a seal lip facing towards the axle housing. You may also consider using a sealer on the surface between the seal and the axle housing (everything should be bone dry to do that). Depending on the configuration of the seal, it can be very easy to put them in backwards. Doen't just show the seal to the counter man and ask for another. Make sure you are getting the right seal for the application. Typically, the seal will have a small steel spring surrounding the circumference of the rubber part of the seal. Another thing...look at the journal of the axle and make sure it is not badly groved or pitted. Also make certain the bearings are in good shape. If you can remove the old seals without damaging them, look at them closely and see why they failed. If you have a worn sealing surface, you can sometimes use a seal that will ride in a different location and get by. Good luck, Terry

[Terry D.]

Re: C1 Solid Axle Seal Leak?

Terry
On rear axle bearings the only seal is one or two o rings, depending on the year, on the outside of the bearing. There is no seal lip or wiper lip. So you see there is no chance of putting the seal in backwards. I suppose you could put the bearing in backwards, but not the o rings.
Terry

[Terry D.]

Re: C1 Solid Axle Seal Leak?

Terry
On rear axle bearings the only seal is one or two o rings, depending on the year, on the outside of the bearing. There is no seal lip or wiper lip. So you see there is no chance of putting the seal in backwards. I suppose you could put the bearing in backwards, but not the o rings.
Terry

[Terry F.]

Re: C1 Solid Axle Seal Leak?

Bob,

If it is an o-ring configuration, the story is different. Make sure you have the right size o-ring and the surfaces arn't worn.

Under some circomstances where the surfaces are worn, I have switched to a quad-seal and had good results. It looks similar to an o-ring but has 4 sides. Sort of interesting cross section when you look at it up close.

But, try to stick to whatever the original configuration is.

Take care, Terry

[Terry F.]

Re: C1 Solid Axle Seal Leak?

Bob,

If it is an o-ring configuration, the story is different. Make sure you have the right size o-ring and the surfaces arn't worn.

Under some circomstances where the surfaces are worn, I have switched to a quad-seal and had good results. It looks similar to an o-ring but has 4 sides. Sort of interesting cross section when you look at it up close.

But, try to stick to whatever the original configuration is.

Take care, Terry

[John H.]

Re: C1 Solid Axle Seal Leak?

The O-ring on the O.D. of the bearing seals to the axle housing, and the bearing itself has an integral lip seal to the axle on the outboard side to keep lube from passing through the rollers into the retainer; both must be in place to prevent leakage.

[John H.]

Re: C1 Solid Axle Seal Leak?

The O-ring on the O.D. of the bearing seals to the axle housing, and the bearing itself has an integral lip seal to the axle on the outboard side to keep lube from passing through the rollers into the retainer; both must be in place to prevent leakage.

[Roy B.]

Re: C1 Solid Axle Seal Leak?

The oil bearing rubber ring don't stop ALL the oil, oil can still pass through the bearings (original that don't have the newer shield) that is the reason the axle cup has a gasket also at the bottom a drip flange to direct the oil down. You may be over filling the end and making to many hard right hand turns.

[Roy B.]

Re: C1 Solid Axle Seal Leak?

The oil bearing rubber ring don't stop ALL the oil, oil can still pass through the bearings (original that don't have the newer shield) that is the reason the axle cup has a gasket also at the bottom a drip flange to direct the oil down. You may be over filling the end and making to many hard right hand turns.