Axle Seal Failures

[jbrinsfi]

My '07 Freightliner XC chassis has about 55,000 miles on the clock and has been well maintained over the years. During its 14 years, I have had to replace the drivers side rear axle main wheel bearing seal twice and the passenger side front hub seal twice. Both failures resulted in significant contamination of the brake shoe surfaces with lube oil / grease. I have had two separate mechanics tell me that letting the rig sit for long periods of time (not sure what "long" is) could cause premature failure of these axle seals and that lifting some of the weight off of the wheels during storage might help to protect them from damage.

First off does this suggestion for root cause of the failure make sense? Secondly is this a common problem for coach owners who might let rigs sit for a month or two between moves?

Thanks in advance for your comments

[Skip426]

With sitting for 5/7 months at a time ; either in my yard or my snowbird park in the south ; always on the levelers when parked .
In 10 years no leaks and no history from the previous owners of axle seal failures.
Don't know if this helps , but I'd be thinking since the failures are in the same places when they re-occur, looking VERY closely at the seal running surface on the spindle , for any pitting or scratches that could be damaging the seals.

EDIT: Currently 93,000 miles on the clock.

[jbrinsfi]

Originally Posted by Skip426

With sitting for 5/7 months at a time ; either in my yard or my snowbird park in the south ; always on the levelers when parked .
In 10 years no leaks and no history from the previous owners of axle seal failures.
Don't know if this helps , but I'd be thinking since the failures are in the same places when they re-occur, looking VERY closely at the seal running surface on the spindle , for any pitting or scratches that could be damaging the seals.

EDIT: Currently 93,000 miles on the clock.

thanks for your response... seal failures were on two different axles and both times the mechanics inspected the affected surfaces and reported no issues. I note you leave your levelers down and I think that is what my mechanics have suggested I start doing.

[twinboat]

No, that makes no sense.

Wheel bearings support the axle in the center, with little free play, if adjusted properly.

There is no distortion on the seal, beyond its design, parked or rolling.

Check your rear axle vent and bearing end play, along with the end play of your front wheel bearings.

Think about all of the snow fighting equipment that sits for months at a time.

[96 Wideglide]

Originally Posted by twinboat

Check your rear axle vent and bearing end play, along with the end play of your front wheel bearings.

One of the first things good HD mechanic's check when wheel end seals leak.