Front Axle Shaft Main Seal - Loose

[Metalhead]

I was checking things out on the underside of my truck this morning, and discovered that the right-side front axle shaft main seal is loose. It is able to ride between the axle body and U-joint body of the axle shaft. I know I need to fix this soon, but am wondering what could've gotten into the axle since this has been the case. Are there more seals inside of the axle tube that would keep dust from getting into the diff? I don't see any oil drips or stains from the axle tube, so I'm thinking it might not be a bad situation.

I haven't gone through a teardown or rebuild of this front axle yet, and am just wondering if there's anything bad that could happen with this being the case.

 

[DaveBen]

That seal is a dust seal. There is an oil seal in the axle tube. I would not rush out and have it fixed. But do get it fixed some time soon.

Dave

 

[02stroker]

X2 what Dave said. My dust seals came out on mine. Had the axle seals replaced when the ball joints were done, and the dust seals are out again. It's not leaking, so I'm not to concerned about it. Seems to me they come out on all of these trucks.

 

[Metalhead]

I appreciate the info, I plan on fixing this during the week.

 

[ghostwhite]

I don't mean to grave dig a thread but I have the same problem on my 2005 F350 Dually 4x4 with manual hubs and transfer. The seal is just hanging loosely on the axle shaft. I was looking around after hearing some front end noise lately that got LOUD today. The hubs have been locked in for a while because of the blizzards and snow we have been getting and it sounds like a wah wah wah that is speed related ie. the noise speeds up with vehicle speed and almost completely goes away when the hubs are unlocked. Could the seal have cause what ever is making the noise?

Any suggestions?

 

[Zmann ARGH]

axle u joints lubed well?

 

[san-man]

I might be having the same issue as ghostwhite.

Maybe there is something I am missing, however Zmann ARGH how would that help, ? Just curious and wanting to understand.
Also, beside the front axle U-joint are there any other lube points and if so where?


Thanks for any replys,
Carlos

 

[Zmann ARGH]

ford just updated the lame dust seal and now it is much better // I have a part # if anyone is interested

 

[san-man]

interested

 

[Zmann ARGH]

new seal AC3Z 1S175 A