Rear Axle Wear Due to Oil Seals

[Canuck]

I've got what I believe is a 10" Heavy Duty axle on my F-350 1 Ton. I just got this truck so naturally I've pulled the whole truck apart inspecting everything

The rear drums are a disaster. The pads are clearly brand new but are ruined as the everything is coated in oil from the diff. The oil seals are clearly shot and it leaked into the drums and ruined the pads. On closer inspection, the axle itself has a groove worn into in from the seal. One side is slightly deeper than the other. I've got new seals but I'm concerned that they may not solve the problem -then again, they might but it's a lot of work and cost to find out !

Anything I can do about this or is swapping out the axle the only way to fix this ? I guess I should mention that it appears the bearings have spun on the axle as well but I'm not as concerned about that as I am about suddenly having no brakes !

[forrestbump]

I'd just replace the axle seals and run it. I feel pretty sure the new seals will conform to the axles in spite of the groove worn in them...unless the grooves are 1/8" deep or more. Install new seals and check if the axles have a snug fit around the lip of the seals.

You've mentioned that the rear shoes are shot, you might try cleaning them with lacquer thinner first before you pitch them. The composition of the shoes usually prevents gear oil from penetrating to deeply and the gear lube is probably only on the surface...it's worth a try.

[70_F100]

I'm pretty sure there are speedi-sleeves available if the new seals by themselves don't work. If the bearings have spun on the axle, that might be a moot point, though...

I agree with forrestbump, try cleaning the shoes first before you pitch them. Personally, I'd use brake cleaner, but lacquer thinner will probably work just as well if you have some around.

[fordman]

those repair sleeve can be used for the groove on the axle. i would atleast try to clean the shoes if you can. it doenst cost much to try and clean them.