Axle Seal Installation To Prevent Leak

[jdlc]

I like to share this to save someone possible axle seal leak when installing a new axle seal for whatever reason. This tip should apply to both

left and right axle seals. I did read pretty recently about similar incident of leaky, newly installed seal, so, I thought it's worth writing about.

I got this 94 Turbo wagon with newer tranny recently installed by the previous owner who wisely replaced the RMS, and both axle seals, along with re-built driver-side axle. Unfortunately, the driver-side axle seal was leaking, so I checked it out.

First of all, this thread was a great help to remove the driver-side axle, check it out, it really works! Kudos to erikv11!

http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/index.php?showtopic=83426

Now, if the axle seal was new, why was it leaking? Because in this picture, you can see that the seal was pushed in a little too far, beyond flush of the transmission housing.

I know it's not a lot, but compare it with what you will see when you first remove your axle and it is pushed in by a good 2-3mm which in my case was enough for it to be leaky. I safely removed the seal which is still good and almost new by first removing the 'metal ring' of the seal without damaging the rubber parts of the seal. I carefully used a screw driver to break out this metal ring of the seal, then I was able to pull out the rubber part of the seal by hand. I then re-assemble the seal and reseated it just flush of the transmission housing and now, I'm leak free! (Don't forget to lube the seal and the axle with tranny oil when you slide back the axle to avoid damaging the seal.)

Another tip I wish to share for those in the states is the availability of loaner tool from Autozone, axle puller tool #27037 which aided me in removing the axle from the bearing after I removed the 36mm nut. Works great, no need to hammer the axle out! You pay $20 and gets it back when you return the tool. Picture below of the tool in the background and the inside end of the driver-side axle for those wondering what the 'circlip' is that locks the axle (you can see where it locks to in the first photo above).

Hope this could help somebody.

[erikv11]

Hey the axle seal in my car was turned around the other way when I got in there. So I put the new one in the same way. That is, when I saw your pic I thought "the seal is in backwards!"

Which way is correct? Does it matter?

[jdlc]

The seal should be the way in the picture - I've seen the original seal on my V70 NA installed that way, also in similar fashion when I did the axle seals on my Expedition. My guess is it was flipped by previous owner for a reason. Could it be the axle where it touched the seal is scored and leaky and he remedied it by flipping it? Also, if you look at the other seal (passenger side) which is visible if you go under your car, you should see how it is installed. As for your question if it matters, I guess if it works and does not leak, then it shouldn't. The only thing I can think of is that the sealing spring would be exposed to elements and would not be lubricated, so it may not last as long compared to when installed properly. Hope this answered your question.