Drive axle lubricant leak - This is a new one for me!

[Mwoodofd]

I recall past posts about these seals leaking on our rigs, and over torqueing the screws on these hubs seemed to be one of the problems damaging the seals. I don't recall the posted torque number, but it seemed very odd, and a low number (like 18 to 22 lbs) to me for something that is sealed like this on the drive axel? Anyone remember?

[96 Wideglide]

On the Dana chart BonS posted, my axle uses the torque value circled in red.

55-71 ftlbs. 10 nuts per axle flange.

[Cruzer]

Originally Posted by Mwoodofd

I recall past posts about these seals leaking on our rigs, and over torqueing the screws on these hubs seemed to be one of the problems damaging the seals. I don't recall the posted torque number, but it seemed very odd, and a low number (like 18 to 22 lbs) to me for something that is sealed like this on the drive axel? Anyone remember?

That's the recommended torque for the aluminum Stemco hub covers used on steer and tag axles.

[Gary.Jones]

Lets keep these issue separate. I have been talking about torque on the main wheel hub flanges on the drive axle which began this thread.

Somewhere, someone else started talking about the torque on screws for the oiler hubs on the steer and tag axles, a completely different issue and torque spec.

L:ets not get these two issues confused, OK?

Gary

[LWBAZ]

Originally Posted by Gary.Jones

Let's keep these issue separate. I have been talking about torque on the main wheel hub flanges on the drive axle which began this thread.

Somewhere, someone else started talking about the torque on screws for the oiler hubs on the steer and tag axles, a completely different issue and torque spec.

Let's not get these two issues confused, OK?

Gary

Gary, I too am confused. I thought we were discussing DEF heads. No wait, that was a different thread that wandered off topic. In any case, how were the TSD fuel discounts on your trip out to Quartzsite and back? Speaking of Quartzsite, how's the weather in Louisiana? And did I mention the 2022 NASCAR season fires off this weekend? In other news...

[Gary.Jones]

Nice you can stay on one topic....

Since psychologists call that.... "Flight of ideas" .... I will choose to ignore all of them.

Gary

[LWBAZ]

Originally Posted by Gary.Jones

psychologists call that.... "Flight of ideas"

I need to fire the doctor who diagnosed me with Attention Deficit Disorder. Flight of Ideas sounds so much better!

[edge68474]

Good topic. Thanks Gary.
Otherwise.

[edge68474]

Originally Posted by LWBAZ

I need to fire the doctor who diagnosed me with Attention Deficit Disorder. Flight of Ideas sounds so much better!

Yeah. Like a professional pilot.
I did learn something about rear hub leaks today. I appreciate that.

[Gary.Jones]

Larry............... THAT is the whole point ....

Gary

[brobox]

If others learn about both type of wheel leaks and fixes, isn't that what forums are all about? I have been on a lot of forums for a lot of years, this once since 2007 and this post is still very informative for those that had no clue between a drive and a tag axe seal. After all these years, I didn't know a post had to read like a text book on every page and knowledge of the adjoining axle should not be shared. Again, just my opinion that these forums are about learning.
I have the same leak as the OP, glad it was bought up and shared by others, especially the torque specs and tools needed. Also glad they compared the tag axle, I have fixed those and can now relate the two..

[LWBAZ]

Okay, just to show I’m capable of contributing something meaningful to Gary’s topic here…

For those of you who plan to do maintenance work involving torque specs well north of 100 Ft-Lb one alternative is an extra-long torque wrench. Another alternative is a tool called a torque multiplier, which is a relatively small device with a gear set inside.

A torque multiplier allows you to use a standard half-inch drive torque wrench rated for say 130 or 140 Ft-Lb and boost the output to three or four times that via the torque multiplier. Mark Quasius made me aware of torque multipliers some years ago, and I purchased one back in mid-2018.

Here is a link to the particular made-in-USA brand & model I ordered:

https://www.centraltools.com/6380-to...000-ft-lb.html

As you can see, torque multipliers aren’t cheap, but neither are extra-long torque wrenches. This particular Central Tools torque multiplier is available for considerably less from other sellers. Here is a link to the one from which I purchased mine:

https://www.tooldiscounter.com/produ...aximum-cen6380

How to use a torque multiplier can be confusing at first, but do a search on “Using a torque multiplier” and you’ll find plenty of videos showing how it’s done.

[Gary.Jones]

For someone truly "new" to the whole concept and problem of axle lubrication, mixing two very different ideas into one logical stream (complete with torque specs for just one of those two issues) is often confusing and counterproductive. IMO

if you want to do it, feel free to make things confusing in the threads you start.... I'm just trying to limit the discussion to one consistent and clear issue.

There have been multiple previous discussions of steer and tag axle lubrication.
Just MHO. Your opinion may differ.

GARY

[edge68474]

Originally Posted by Gary.Jones

Larry............... THAT is the whole point ....

Gary

Yes Sir. Gotcha.