Dana 44 Rebuild

[classic67]

I'm looking into rebuilding my rear axle. Its leaking pretty bad the bearings don't seem to have play. Maybe I just need to do seals. How do I go about taking the axle shafts out to get at the seals? Do I need any special tools or info for this job? Thanks

[cep62]

It's been a while , but I think you pull the axles like a 9 inch Ford.
Pull the drums , then there are four nuts behind the axle flange , accessed through a hole in the flange.
The axle "should" pull out ,some times you need a slide hammer, I've heard you can use the drum as a slide hammer by turning it around and put the lug nuts on loose and slamming it back and forth.

The seals are just inside where the bearing sits, make sure the axle isn't worn where the seal rides. and clean out the axle vent to make sure it isn't building pressure.

Are you sure the seals are leaking and not the brake cylinders?

[classic67]

Ya i rebuilt the cyls and cleaned it up with brake clean. it still has moisture so thats all thats left right? I cant think of anything else. thanks for the reply sir

[cep62]

Yeah , if you're getting wet brakes it's either the axle seal or the wheel cylinder.
When you pull the axle check for grooves where the seal rides.
They make a repair sleeve for some applications.

[Hommer]

Or breather clog up housing