Topic: Rear axle seal trouble

[ruppstang]

I have installed a dozen or more 67-68 rear axel seals the last few years. I needed top replace one in our unrestored 68 C code HCS so I removed the axel and seal as usual. When I tried to start the new seal in to the housing by taping around the edge and could not get it started in. After many tries it finally started  in but was so tight I ended up deforming it and had to pull it out. Second attempt I made a oak block just smaller than the seal and had to drive it in with a two pound sledge hammer. I was not happy with it but hoped it would be ok. Well it was not ok, I found it leaking again.

The original seal was a C7 number so I do not think it had ever been changed. I purchased two more National seals today and am ready for round three.
Anyone have any thoughts as what is wrong?     

[mtinkham]

You might consider putting the seal in the freezer. This may shrink the metal enough for a better fit. The rubber may be more brittle, so watch out for that.

You could measure the seal housing to ensure roundness is not a problem. I'm sure you've inspected for burrs and deformation.

Good luck...full disclosure...I've never attempted the above.

[67gtasanjose]

I usually make seal installers with a large 1/2" drive or larger socket, BARELY undersized to the bore (or seal) and using an extension bar (as a handle) pop it it with a SOLID smack of a good dead-blow, careful to hold everything centered.

[Brian Conway]

I've wackered up a couple of these seals myself.  Mostly on my 69 car and at $10 plus each adds up.  I measure the seals to make sure nobody got the wrong ones and then I borrow the correct tool from a friend.  Works better than a socket and applies the pressure more evenly.  Still subject to failure if done incorrectly.  Brian

[ruppstang]

Thanks for the tips, I'll let you know how round three goes. BTW I could not believe that the seals I bought were $17 each.

[67350#1242]

Marty, curious if the original was made of leather?   When I changed out originals in my 67 coupe a couple yrs ago they were.  Think the leather dries out when parked for extended time and starts to seep.  I wonder if soaking in oil would cause to expand and reseal - but kind of hard to remove without some damage.
Kurt.

[mtinkham]

you could jack the car up on one side to send gear oil "down the pipe".

[ruppstang]

Ok problem solved. The issue was a incorrect seal. Two different parts suppliers came up with the wrong seal. I still had the original C70W-1177-L which measures about .050 smaller than the one the computer said fit the application. Today I had them cross check the C70W-1177-L # and they found a 9569S that I had installed in five minuets. Darn computers!

BTW the original seal was not a leather seal.   

[67gtasanjose]

Today I had them cross check the C70W-1177-L # and they found a 9569S that I had installed in five minuets. Darn computers!

BTW the original seal was not a leather seal.

I put these in my 67 8-inch (same as 9-inch). Bought by application at the local O-Wow-ey's (O'Reilleys). ...and mine had leather seals originally.