98 Astro rear axle seal leaking

[racer504]

A while back (while changing brakes) I noticed the passenger side axle seal was leaking. I had a good friend who is a mechanic change it for me. After a couple months I saw it was leaking again. This time we changed the bearing and seal. Now about 2 months later, it's leaking again.The axle surface seems to be OK. Not rusty or rough. We smoothed it up with some fine emery cloth before reassembly. Any ideas on what might be going on with this would be greatly appreciated.

[snshddog]

Make sure the vent tube is not plugged up. It can pressurise the inside and force fluid out. Check that the hose is good and that there is no sludge plugging up before that. the hose can be checked by blowing air through it, the fitting can be checked by using a piece of coat hanger or something thin enough to get in there but bend a little handle on it so you dont accidentily drop it in.

[racer504]

Originally Posted by snshddog

Make sure the vent tube is not plugged up. It can pressurize the inside and force fluid out. Check that the hose is good and that there is no sludge plugging up before that. the hose can be checked by blowing air through it, the fitting can be checked by using a piece of coat hanger or something thin enough to get in there but bend a little handle on it so you dont accidentily drop it in.

Thanks snshddog, I'll check that.

[racer504]

I checked the tubing and vent tube and both are clear. Any other ideas?

[Blue Bowtie]

Yes. Either trim out the factory gasket or sealant that was used to seal the cover or install a FelPro cover gasket with the proper openings in the sides to allow oil relief:

[racer504]

Blue Bowtie, I'm just curious as to how this might be causing a leak at the seal? Seems like if the gasket was blocking the oil flow to the bearings it would also be restricting flow to the seal. . Not questioning your knowledge here, just trying to gain a better understanding of the problem. Thanks for your help!