98 F 150. I replace the rear axle seal back in Nov of 11 because it was leaking. it started leaking again about 2 months ago. How do I sovle this problem and keep if from coming back? The replacement seal was an after market seal. Do I get an OEM one?

 

I don't know what type of home mechanic you are, so please understand what I am saying is not an insult.

Did you remove and replace the seals using a seal kit, or did you just use a screwdriver or something to pry the old one out? Did you just hammer the new one in, or did you use the seal installer to get the proper fit?

I think unless something was dirty, scored, deformed, damaged, etc you really should not be having a leak again this soon.

There is the possibility that the seal you purchased was defective. There are several name brand aftermarket suppliers that are excellent, so I don't see why you would have to use the Ford part.

Sorry you have to do it again. Good luck

 

The original seal wears a groove in the axle shaft, just a couple thousanths deep, but you can see it if you look. When you installed the new seal you put in in exactly the same spot. You need to get a different seal with the lip move 1/8 inch, push the seal in further, dont push the seal in as far, or get a seal and bearing unit that moves both to a new position on the shaft... Any of the above will work.. When you install tlhe axle shaft, rub grease on the seal and the last 4 inches of the shaft. THis lets it slide together easier, and gives some lube to the seal during the first few miles of use.

 

I just changed both wheel bearings and seals on my 03 supercrew. Couple weeks later I had my left seal start leaking. Tore it back apart and sure enough it was a faulty seal. I bought the seal/bearing repair kit like mentioned that relocates the bearing and seal to another spot on the shaft. The spring in the seal on he assembly was broke ended up putting a new seal and bearing in that side since it was another 3-4 days before parts store could get the repair bearing kit. I'd tear it back apart and inspect it and put a new one in make sure there are no burs, nicks, or anything on the housing where it can leak around. Alittle dab of silicone on seal flange doesn't hurt anything. Good luck!

 

A tip for installing seals with springs is to put lightly pack spring area with grease. This will help to keep the spring from possibly popping off when installing a seal with a hammer.

Did the person installing the seal also check to make sure the diffs vent wasn't restricted?

 

I used an slide hammer to remove the seal and put the new on in. There was some wear on the axle but didnt look all that bad.
I did check and clean the diff vent home. I did not know they made different lenghts seals. Looks like I will be redoing it again this weekend.