Axle/Seal Problems

[camper4lyfe]

Hey all.

First time here, and I've got a problem.

I've got an 03 Ranger FX4 Level II (4WD, 4L engine) that has now eaten two right rear axle seals in the last 2 years. Both of them were found during the NYS safety inspection, causing it to fail. My g/f's dad (a former mechanic) and I replaced the seal last year, and now that the same seal is bad this year, it really makes me wonder if there's not something else wrong, possibly a bent axle shaft.

Has anyone ever run into this problem? Anyone know where I can get a new axle? From what I've found, I've got the 8.8" rear end with the 31 spline axles (same as the Explorer).

Thoughts? Comments? Help?!

 

[MAKG]

I'd take a good look at the axle bearings and axleshafts. No seal will work with a worn bearing. These pit the axleshafts underneath. As time goes on, they "machine" grooves in the shafts. The play from that makes the seals leak. Eventually, they will cut the wheel off.

 

[kevinsranger]

how bout the axle breather tube? is it clogged or missing? i heard if the axle cant vent the internal pressures will blow the seal out

 

[camper4lyfe]

how bout the axle breather tube? is it clogged or missing? i heard if the axle cant vent the internal pressures will blow the seal out

That's the one thing I'm kicking myself for not checking. We completely forgot about it until we had everything back together. It's definitely getting checked this time.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Pressure is what normally blows them out, or dirty gritty fluid, Check both and blow the breather out with some air.

 

[camper4lyfe]

Another follow-up: The 2nd time around, I replaced the bearing, and it was fine the last time around. Seems to me the bearing was worn just enough to cause the seal to leak.