Help with leaking rear axle

[iamadonut]

Hi everyone,

I have a leak somewhere in my rear axle. You can see black gunk on the rear passenger side drum brake area. It's only on the PS side, though, and not on both sides.

I'm gonna have a friend help me with it this weekend, and I'd like to have the parts ready, or at least know which parts we might need. What are the most common parts (gaskets, seals, etc.) that would cause the leak? I know we can't figure it out for sure until we take it apart, but hopefully it's a common/easy fix.

So anyway, which parts should I plan on picking up to fix this leak? It's a 1970 coupe, btw, with the stock rear axle (I think).

Thanks again for all your help.

 

[Max Power]

Just get an axle seal. If you can pop a drum off first before going to the parts store, it might be a good time to do rear brakes, especially if axle grease has contaminated the brake shoes past the point of no return.

If it has been leaking a long time get some axle lube.

 

[Mach-One-Man]

Best to do both sides, pick up 2 seals & 2 bearings. If you have an Advance they will have it all for under $40.00! Screw NAPA they wanted 2X that & had to order it in! Guess they gotta keep payin for Waltrip wrecking his car.

 

[iamadonut]

We don't have Advance stores in Socal, but it looks like they use the same supplier as Kragen (partsamerica.com.)

I hate to be a complete NOOB, but do you have part #s or links for the seals and bearings I need? Stupid me can't find them on partsamerica.com or autozone. THANK YOU!

 

[VictorII]

Also make sure that the vent tube is clear and the vent hose is open. If the rear won't vent, it'll blow a little lube past the seals. You might also wish to pick up some very fine crocus cloth in case there are grooves on the seal to axle surfaced. Just dressing them, if they are there, might break the edge and get it to seal again.

 

[70XR7ConvertCat]

I've got the same problem on my '70. I've replaced the axle seal twice. My problem is the axle is worn, and keeps cutting up the seal. I've heard of other people fixing this with a sleeve. So, be sure to check the axle where the seal meets to be certain you won't be repeating this fix after another 6 months (or less). I plan to call Currie or Strange to get stock replacement axles for about $300, and call it good.

Steve C.

 

[iamadonut]

Thanks for the tips. I'll keep the vent tube and worn axle issues in mind when I replace the seals.

Can you guys point me to the right part? I'm a retard and can't find it.

 

[Max Power]

They will look the part up for you. Not sure why you feel the need to look it up yourself.

If you follow the advice on bearings above, keep in mind that they are pressed on, and you will have to bring your axles in to have it done. If you are not getting excessive bearing noise, don't worry about the bearings.