Quick poll: What have y'all used to remove/install axle seals? I've seen you can use a short section of 1.75" OD tubing attached to a thinner driving implement that goes all the way through the axle tube, but I don't have scrap tubing lying around here.

These are the inner seals I'm referring to. I'm sure there's a low-tech, shortcut method someone's got! I'm all out of ideas...

Thanks!

 

Probably better described as pipe, since it had walls thick enough to not damage the seal, but that's the way we did it. And I searched quite a bit for the special tool before starting the job and never was able to find it. I did think the pipe was 2" OD, but sometimes my memory isn't so good. LOL.

 

I use a large (3/4 Drive) socket size that fits in the axle tube nicely, pushed to the seal with a broom handle, then tapped end of the broom with a hammer.

As far as putting the seal back in, I would recommend making, renting, or buying a press.

 

Thanks! I'm not sure what type of press would work in that awkward space inside the carrier. I like that idea since I'd rather do it right.

Is there a particular type of press that would work?

 

use a 12" pc of threaded rod, a few nuts on the rod and about 4 large washers that must be over 2" in diameter....2.25 or slightly larger is perfect.....use an open end wrench on the nuts to drive the washers outward to press the seals in.

 

Wow, that as an absolutely perfect solution. That's the first I've heard of that method. Thanks so much for sharing, this is definitely how I'm going to do it tomorrow.

 

Google redneck axle seal tool

 

Good idea. Basically the tool called for in the FSM that I couldn't find.

 

I need to do this smh

 

Thanks all. I spent the entire day working on this, and finally finished. Wow that was rough, but a good learning experience.

Oh, and something is now wrong and my front locker (stock Rubi one) won't engage, arghhhh.

Interesting though, the failed axle seal was incredibly easy to push out into the carrier with a single tap with a metal rod and hammer. The other one (which I wanted to replace just in case) took a ton of bashing to get out. Eventually trimming a sharp v-notch in the metal rod helped, but didn't quite get it out. The trick was wrapping the end of the rod in a ton of shop towels. Weird, but it somehow worked.

Check out the Yukon seals (right) I pulled out compared to the Mopar (left) ones. Interesting how the Yukons are so narrow... Easier to install I suppose?