Front Hubs Seal Replacement

[Metalhead]

I'm wanting to replace the rear seal on my right side front hub, so that the vacuum hub lock can finally work. Awhile back, I narrowed down my hub locking problem to the right side hub. If I plug the line at the right hub, the left hub locks & unlocks perfectly, and if I swap hubs from side to side, the left side still locks perfectly, while the right side leaks.

What I'm wanting to know, since these hubs are sealed units, can I just replace the rear seals on them? I will be replacing the right side axle tube seal at the same time (has come loose). I just want to get my auto hub system back to working order.

I'll be replacing both left & right sides since I'm at it.

Thanks

 

[NJKen]

They are expensive seals and you MUST use the proper driver installer tool or you will wreck em good. They are not that difficult to change though. you remove the wheel, remove the brake caliper bracket and rotor, then pull the wheelbearing out. After that, the axle can be coaxed out with a medium prybar and you can install new seals.
good Luck
Ken

 

[ghoff]

In my opinion, if I am in a situation where I NEED 4 w/d. I get out and lock the hubs anyway. I do not trust that the vacuum system will keep them locked when it matters.

 

[NJKen]

More importantly though is that when these seals go bad the do more damage than stopping ESOF. They will let contaminates enter your very expensive wheel bearing and destyroy it from the inside out. Not good....
Ken

 

[DaveBen]

Not true, The wheel bearings are sealed and nothing like dirt can get in them. But I do agree that manually locking the hubs is the way to go. I have a manual transfer case and hubs.

Dave

 

[trackspeeder]

The spindle bearing is usually the victim when this seal is shot.

 

[NJKen]

The spindle bearing is usually the victim when this seal is shot.

Yeah, thats exactly what I meant to say...

Ken

 

[Metalhead]

I agree that the sure way of knowing you're in 4x4 is to manually lock the hubs. I just like to keep things in working order, so that's the reason why I want to get this back in line. Thanks for all the advice.

 

[rustinh1]

Metalhead,

I have a set of Brand new OEM hub seals and o-rings at the house that I ordered before I found that my actuator was bad.

PM me or email me and I'll cut you a deal on them if you want.

Thanks,
Rusty

 

[Metalhead]

I replaced the bad hub seal on the right-front, and the auto hub locks are back to working order again. Feels real good to be able to hit the switch at the dash and be in 4x4! Thanks for the info and advice