Tip: Redneck Front Axle Seal Driver

[koda2000]

while changing the driver and passenger side front axle seals on my '00 AWD Mountaineer last week, i realized i was going to need something to drive the new seals in, as swinging a hammer in the tight space just wasn't feasible and a typical flat style seal driver would ruin the specialized seal lip.

what i used was some pieces from my ball joint press, a 15mm socket and a long ratchet extension. it turns out the medium and large size pipe pieces of the press are the perfect size for the different diameter seal flanges and the depth of the pipe kept me away from the seal collars. i taped the circular press piece (with the small center hole) to the pipe piece and used a 15mm socket to prevent the long 3/8" extension from going through the hole in the center. i cleaned the axle housing ends and sprayed some WD40 around where the seal sits, then i lined everything up and gave the extension a few whacks with a 3 lb hammer. once the seal is started, you can also use the large end of the extension to set the seal in completely. worked great.

 

[Dono]

picture? I did my one side, and after I had everything together I noticed one edge of the seal isnt pressed all the way in. Im thinking that wont be good for seal life. I'll have to tap it all the way in. I'd like to see what your describing for the next seal I have to do.

 

[DjDom]

I was actually thinking about using a ball joint press for my seals too.

Did you fix the leak you had, man?

 

[koda2000]

I was actually thinking about using a ball joint press for my seals too.

Did you fix the leak you had, man?

yes, so far so good. no leaks.

 

[delexploder]

Hey koda go to your thread on the axle seals

 

[koda2000]

picture? I did my one side, and after I had everything together I noticed one edge of the seal isnt pressed all the way in. Im thinking that wont be good for seal life. I'll have to tap it all the way in. I'd like to see what your describing for the next seal I have to do.

sorry, i didn't think to take any pictures. but if you're familiar with the various pieces of a ball joint press tool, there are 3 pieces of pipe about 2.5" long each. the medium and large sizes fit the axle seal flanges perfectly. there's also two caps that fit inside the end of the pipes, one with a large hole and one with a small hole, and finally a giant c-clamp looking piece (which will not be needed, along with the smallest piece of pipe and the cap with the large hole in the center). if you don't own or want to purchase a ball joint press, you can borrow one from most auto parts stores. you'll have to pay a hefty deposit, but you get that back when you return the tool.