Front right axle seal install problems *pic*

[bluestream1]

I just replaced my front right axle seal on my 2000 XLT, and I am now wondering if I have the half shaft installed properly. at first, I had some difficulty getting it on to the splined shaft coming out of the axle. After I finally got in, and assembled, I noticed a gap between the axle/seal and the shaft flange that seems too big. Looks like about 1/4 inch, where the flange meet the seal/axle. The left side has about half this gap. When I try and push the shaft in farther, it wont go in any more.

Now I am wondering if this gap is okay, or should I be taking it apart?

Also, I noticed that the half shaft female fitting had an area machined out that looked like a slot. (like a keyway slot) I tried to find a identical mating surface on the output shaft, but it was just a regular splined shaft. I assumed that I could then just install the shaft in any position and that it didn't really matter.

 

[crunchie_frog]

My memory is there is an o-ring at the end of the shaft that "pops" in when it is fully seated. Did you feel this one pop in? I would not force it, is there anything else holding it from going all the way in? Memory could be wrong, but that is what I remember.

 

[bluestream1]

Do you mean there is an o-ring on the output shaft? I did not see one, and I cant see why they would have then behind the seal. Also, I did not look in the area real close...

 

[crunchie_frog]

I just checked my Haynes manual for 95 and later is says there is a retaining circlip and stop ring on the drive shaft that goes into the differential no o-ring as I had said earlier. I do remember it "popping" into place when I did this.

 

[koda2000]

yes, there's a snap-ring/cir-clip (not an o-ring) it just kinda keeps the axle from falling out while you get everything back together. once the axle engages inside the diff, there's really nothing that should be stopping it from going in all the way. unless your hearing weird noises you're probably ok.

 

[bluestream1]

Yeah, I just checked it out again, and its in all the way. I can feel it bump up against the axle stub. The seal has a funky dust boot on it and if you look at the pic above you can see the red rubber boot between the shaft and the axle housing. If it were in any closer, that boot would get crushed. Looks like I am good to go, i just wish I had taken some pic before I took it apart for peace of mind...