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Motor7 · 04-30-2018, 09:40 PM

I'm a Chevy guy, but when I see things like this I question my 'mantra'. So while I was rolling around in the gravel under the rig changing the fuel filter I noticed some oil on the inside of the drivers side rear dual. I assumed it was a leaking caliper since the oil was thin(I thought).

So I debated taking it to a shop, but common sense slapped me in the head and said.....'If you want it done now, and reasonably right, do it yourself'. So off to HF to buy a 3/4" Earthquake Impact wrench, then to Napa for a 33mm deep socket(biggest at HF is 32mm) and a 3/4 12" extension which was ungodly expensive. About $400 total.......

I get back to my garage/shop and then realize that the wheel simulator lug nut caps are mixed, some are pull-off, others are screw off and 38mm. Well, I don't have a 38mm socket and NAPA is 45 min away, so I improvise with a big 39mm wrench and a crow bar.

Once the Simulators are off, the problem is obvious, the axle seal is leaking(it's behind these bolts)

So I did a search and the fix is Permatex.....ok, but when I pulled the axle out I find this:

I have never ever seen a gasket made from undeveloped photography film

It was transparent, and at one time I am sure not yellow. The gasket had disintegrated and caused the leak. Some times I want to just smack an engineer and say...."What were YOU thinking?"

So, I did not use any of the tools I bought at HF....taking them back? Nope

Motor7 · 04-30-2018, 09:48 PM

for those that have never seen one, this is a left side drive shaft, once the nuts are off it pulls right out with a little prying of a crow bar:

gruelens · 05-01-2018, 12:01 AM

I pulled my axle and used a new (paper thin) gasket when I reinstalled the axle. It leaked. So I pulled it apart, cleaned the surfaces, and used Permatex blue gasket maker with NO gasket. Problem solved.

AKIQPilot · 05-01-2018, 11:00 AM

I had to replace my driver side axle gasket in January. I paid a shop to do it because i was on the road and thought it was the right thing to do. The shop screwed up the gasket on install and the leak was 10 times worse than before. I was 120 miles away when I stopped for fuel and noticed it was still leaking.

Picked up another gasket and did it myself a few days later. My original gasket was paper, just like the replacement. Many big truck shops recommend just an rtv product like The Right Stuff or similar product.

CJ7365 · 05-01-2018, 02:14 PM

You can still be a Chevy guy, because more than likely you have a Dana axle, so blame Dana for your undeveloped film gasket

I would of done the same thing as you, pull the axle, clean the surface and apply some permatex gasket maker.

At least you had the excuse to buy some new tools. I have the earthquake impact from HF, ive had it about 5 years and it works great.

Motor7 · 05-01-2018, 02:24 PM

Ya, my 1/2" Earthquake is about 4 years old and it has been amazing.

I'm in the middle of doing a Zep floor polish to the coach.....Mr Arthur Itis says.....keep it up and I will make sure you won' be able to even pick up a beer. ��

twinboat · 05-01-2018, 02:42 PM

If you haven't, recheck the differential oil level. The oil that spilled out is supplied by the diff.

Motor7 · 05-01-2018, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

If you haven't, recheck the differential oil level. The oil that spilled out is supplied by the diff.

Yes, I bought a couple of syn GL5 quarts today....will check the level tomorrow.

wa8yxm · 05-02-2018, 06:32 AM

Had the shop do mine.. NO problems with the other side.. yet

Now have what LOOKS like a seal leak on the front Wet Hub. Have not pulled the simulator yet... Should do that before I pull out in 2 weeks as I have an appointment for other work then.

Motor7 · 05-02-2018, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wa8yxm

Had the shop do mine.. NO problems with the other side.. yet

Now have what LOOKS like a seal leak on the front Wet Hub. Have not pulled the simulator yet... Should do that before I pull out in 2 weeks as I have an appointment for other work then.

Awwww, don't say that, I have not pulled the front Simulators yet....trying to get out of here on Firday

garyre · 05-03-2018, 06:13 PM

I purchased the HF 1/2" earthquake impact driver and could not break the lugs free, they are torqued at 475 ft-lbs...Thought I would try the 3/4" Earthquake impact driver, curious if it is worth the price since I have not seen it on a sale price.

twinboat · 05-03-2018, 06:56 PM

Even if the 3/4 gun knocks them off, your going to need a torque wrench to tighten them back up.

Unless your going to knock them back on and guess how tight they are, use the same torque wrench you have for tightening them, to break them loose and use the 1/2 gun to spin them off.