Issues with Cv Axles 2002 Mazda B4000/Ranger

[joesailor]

I recently rebuilt the front suspension of my 2002 Mazda B4000/Ranger. I installed rebuilt Cardone CV axles
but even with new seals on the Dana 35 SLA they are leaking -- I suspect maybe ground down sealing surface too
much or bad splines?? The OEM Ford or Mazda Axles are NLA and everthing else appears to be China sourced.
I plan to try NAPA CV axles but not sure it will help. Very frustrating not being able to source decent parts for
my truck.

 

[dvdswan]

Welcome to the site.

Unless the axle was rubbing on something metal I doubt the seal surface would be ground down.

Either the new seals are bad or installed wrong would be my first guess.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Or seals got damaged during installation of the half shafts.

 

[joesailor]

I recently rebuilt the front suspension of my 2002 Mazda B4000/Ranger. I installed rebuilt Cardone CV axles
but even with new seals on the Dana 35 SLA they are leaking -- I suspect maybe ground down sealing surface too
much or bad splines?? The OEM Ford or Mazda Axles are NLA and everthing else appears to be China sourced.
I plan to try NAPA CV axles but not sure it will help. Very frustrating not being able to source decent parts for
my truck.

Update - removed the rebuilds from Cardone and replaced with NAPA China made new which are actually Cardone's.
No leaks - could not see any external issues with the remans but they go to the dump tomorrow.

 

[joesailor]

Or seals got damaged during installation of the half shafts.

. I was very careful with the seal and axle installation. I just removed the Cardone rebuilt CV's and then installed with NAPA new China made CV's which are actually Cardones. No leaks so there was something wrong with fit or tolerance on the remans's. They go to the dump tomorrow. I wish someone would make american sourced CV's for the Ranger/Mazda's like the Raxles available for foreign makes.

 

[Toolsforyou]

I agree I think it could be that the seal is damaged. I suggest to check it out

 

[joesailor]

Update -- Even with brand new seals correctly installed both sides still had small leaks on the front Dana Axle. I swaped out the
Cardone rebuild CV's for a pair of NAPA ( China made ) - CV's that are also just Cardone rebrands -- so far no leaks. The NAPA axles are not as beefy as the OEM's but I do not abuse the truck so should be OK. No clue what made the Cardone Rebuilds leak -