I'm in trying to replace the outer axle seals on the front axle. I have the hub dismanteled and the bearing unit removed but I'm having trouble trying to remove the main seal inside the hub so I can pull the axle through. The manual states to use a drift and remove the seal but I haven't had any luck and I'm trying not to damage it. Any suggestions would be great thanks.

 

You pretty much should replace the seals and not try to reuse them. Here is a link on how to replace ball joints that covers in detail how to replace all the seals and what you need. You'll have a lot to read but it pretty much covers everything.

Edit: correct link

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/3...ll-joints.html

 

You won't want to reuse them. Bang em out and then get the new one's installed on the axles. You'll need a tool to install the seal on the axles.


Dick

 

Break apart the old seal and voila! You have a redneck seal installer tool!

 

My manual says to install the axels then the outer hub seal.
I first tried to install the seals on the axel. I eneded dinging up the seal. Blew another $49.00 at the Ford dealer for another seal.
Next, I'll try to do it by the book next time.
The new seals seem to fit way to tight. Looks like bitch to get started on the axel!
We shall see tomorro!

 

Don't reinvent the wheel. The seals are hammered on the axle with a tool Thats the only way to do it. I've been doing these for awhile now. But you can do what you want and ruin more seals..Seals are 35.00 don't get ripped off by your ford dealer.
Put the axle in a vice and use the tool to put it on or like other guy's have done take it to your dealer and let him use the tool to install it..I made a tool..

Dick

 

Read the link above.. Hey look my old tool..LOL

 

I thought about useing maybe a piece of pipe and a hammer? Can I get the tool from Kragen auto parts?
I just put in the new U-joints, now the freaking seals!
HELP!
Its friday 7:22 California time!

 

Anyway I bet my pipe works better than your old tool!
Ha!

 

lol... yeah I was there too... improvised using the old seal... was a bit of a pain, but it worked...

 

Hey dude thanks! I have an old seal.
But do I use the inner or outer part of the seal?

 

break it apart and use the inner half... it just gives you something to hammer on so you don't bend the new seal.

I ended up setting the spindle assembly on the floor, with the old seal piece and then the new seal piece placed on it, then sticking the axleshaft assembly through and hammering on the inner end of the axle. The old seal acts as a spacer to keep the outer end of the axleshaft from hitting the floor when doing this.

Hopefully I explained it well enough... if not I'll try to post a pic when I tear the other side apart on Tuesday.

 

Just finished putting the front axel together. I made a tool out of a 3-1/2 inch piece of pipe and a large steel washer. Set the tool on my press, the seal, and the axel shaft on top through the washer.
It was hard to get started. kept slipping side ways.
Once started it was a piece of cake.
The whole deal was a real pain.
But its done!, now to try out the 4x4, maybe tommoro!

 

Good job.........


Dick