Leaking axle seals

[zolar1]

I just had both rear axle seals replaces back in december of 2015.

The right rear one was leaking oil all over the brakes.

I checked the back brakes because I had to pump the pedal to get the truck to stop.

Well, that seal is leaking again all over the brakes. And the cover is leaking a bit now too (they used RTV instead of a real gasket).

What is causing the problem?

Worn bearing?

How can I tell if the axle is bad? You could see wear marks on it when they had it out but it didn't look too bad to me.


I get a growling noise when slowing down too so I replace all front wheel bearings and races. Steering feels better/smoother but growling noise is still there.


Axle code is 87.
2008 ranger XLT, Automatic, 2WD. 2.3L

 

[Plum Ranger XLT]

If you took it to a shop to have it repaired, I would take it back to them and have them fix their mistake. I had a seal go out in mine about a year ago in the rear axle and so far it hasn't leaked so far and where I took it, I haven't had any problems with them.

 

[RangerDange]

I would also take it back to the shop. axle seals don't typically wear out because of bad bearings. Axles shouldn't go bad unless it's bent or physically broken. For the growling noise double check all your brakes but also check the rear end. If you have a friend get the rear end off the ground and have someone accelerate and brake while you listen. If you already replace all the wheel bearings then it's likely worn carrier bearings or pinion bearing. Hope this helps.

 

[zolar1]

I took it to a different shop because the one that fixed it before couldn't get me in at all.

The 2nd shop cleaned oil off everything and said the seal seems OK and that the oil was left over from the earlier repair.

ALSO, the back brakes were severely out of adjustment and I had them take care of that.

I also had them do diagnostics. No misfired shown on the computer (but it still misfires - go figure).

No apparent vacuum leaks.

I also had them replace my serpentine belt since mine was 8 years old and getting worn out.

Fuel pressure 70 running but bleeds down to 60-63 and stays.

They do suspect leaking intake seals that once engine warms, any vacuum leaks would mostly seal themselves off.

I still hear growling when slowing down....

 

[zolar1]

Additional - they make 2 things for worn axles.

One is called a jiffi-sleeve which is pressed on.

Another is a special bearing and seal that forces the bearing to ride on a different part of the axle.

Both can save the axle.

Have to drive it for a while and then recheck it to see if the leak returns.

I still hear that growling noise. Perhaps tires are doing it?

 

[pjtoledo]

Additional - they make 2 things for worn axles.

One is called a jiffi-sleeve which is pressed on.

Another is a special bearing and seal that forces the bearing to ride on a different part of the axle.

Both can save the axle.

Have to drive it for a while and then recheck it to see if the leak returns.

I still hear that growling noise. Perhaps tires are doing it?

easy to check, just run your hand over the tread surface front-back-sideways.
if there is uneven wear you will feel it.