Axle oil seal total failure

[wayneg]

A few weeks ago I change the NSF CV Joint and whilst there fitted a new oil seal on the end of the axle. A week ago I noticed a few drops of oil on the wheel rim which became many drips the day after. Today I stripped it all out again and the oil seal inner has completely detached from the outer section.
I cannot see how that could happen. The axle shaft has a ring on it which butts up against the seal outer facing lip which stops crud getting at the seal.

Anyway my work so must be my fault. New seal in and fingers crossed

Anyone seen similar failure

[RFollia]

Hi,
something similar happened to me 2 weeks ago.
Had to renew my steering knuckle ball joints on my Disco2 (a workshop did it for me, a pig of a job, to be honest) and I noticed the left hand oil seal began to drip, ending as a blood hemorragy in which you could follow my traces down the road.

Oil seal was kinked and a little torn on the lip.
Mine did not come from the same manufacturer as yours, yours being a better one (BM) than mine (mine was the only available at the time).

It's odd why the lip has parted company with the rest of the seal. Maybe it kinda glued to the shaft ant took it apart., or the lip in the shaft pushed the seal's lip inside.

The fact is that these seals are tricky to install and fit because it's very difficult to see if the shaft is being fitted square and aligned, and there's hardly any room to shine a torch and see the result.

My 2nd seal has lasted for around 1000 kms no issues, and hope your new one is in the same position


Best regards and good luck

Robert

[dxb]

Hi Wayneg,

I read your right up on replacing the CV joint, thanks for that very helpful.

Did your axel seal hold the 2nd time around ? Any tips on getting it on properly without the U$d 100 LR special tool.

Thanks

Dxb

[PeterH]

I just did that very same seal yesterday, it is tricky to fit because you can't get a clear go at it. I tapped mine in slowly with a hammer, going round and round until it was in. A special tool would be a much easier way to go, but at $100, kind of puts that out of the equation. I'll be keeping an eye for leaks on mine after reading this post.

[Hoges]

There are some little tricks you need to be aware of

see posts #4- #8 http://www.aulro.com/afvb/discovery-2/166842-front-axle-seal-direction.html

Shell Retinax grease is recommended by LR ... it works well...and you need to apply liberally as per the above referenced posts to prevent leaks.
Make sure there is plenty of grease on the section of axle on which the seal sits, and when pushing the axle "home" be very careful to just "ease" the last couple of cm into the seal as there is a chance the spring can be come dislodged if the axle is forced through.
good luck with it!

[wayneg]

The second one I fitted is still holding strong. As already stated plenty of grease including the outside once it been fitted

[dxb]

Many Thanks Hoges and Wayneg,

I have read that and bookmarked it ready for next weekend.

Dxb