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#1
07-28-2024, 11:04 PM
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Rear axle seal radial play
Folks, 93 K1500: both rear axle seals are leaking, and one of them is leaking after I installed it new a couple months ago. I’m concerned the axle shaft bearings may be worn? Truck has 290,000 miles. Radial play on both is about 0.010” according to my dial indicator. Is this excessive?
I also checked that the vent was not clogged just in case that was a factor.
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2008 Tahoe SSV, 2007 Tahoe SSV, 94 GMC K1500, 93 Chev K1500, 91 GMC K1500, 2000 Wrangler Sport 
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#2
11-02-2024, 08:55 AM
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Re: Rear axle seal radial play
There is noise associated with axle bearing wear. With the miles on the truck, I suspect there is a groove worn on the axle where the seal rides. If thats the case, the axle shaft will need replaced.
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#3
11-02-2024, 12:30 PM
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Re: Rear axle seal radial play
There is such a thing as an "axle saver" bearing assembly for a 10-bolt, and those use a sealed bearing to replace the original open bearing. The philosophy is that the bearing inner seal will keep the axle oil in the housing, and the prepacked bearing will last as long as a modern design cartridge/hub bearing type. As we all know, that is not "permanent.
As such, they unfortunately tend not to last as long as the original design and are therefore a fairly temporary repair as a result. That "temporary" could be another 100K miles, but may also be less.
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Permanent seat assignment on the Group W bench... Automotive Forums Survival Guide
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#4
05-07-2025, 04:41 AM
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Re: Rear axle seal radial play
When axle bearings wear, they allow the axle shaft to move radially (up/down and side-to-side), which disrupts the proper contact and sealing of the axle seal against the shaft. Over time, this not only accelerates wear on the seal but can also score the axle shaft itself, making it impossible for a new seal to maintain a tight fit even if the bearing is replaced.
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#5
05-07-2025, 04:43 AM
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Re: Rear axle seal radial play
Also re-check the vent tube—you mentioned it's not clogged, but be sure it’s not kinked or otherwise restricted. Pressure buildup from heat can force fluid past even good seals if the vent can’t relieve it properly.
In summary, yes—based on your radial play and symptoms, your axle shaft Crossed Roller bearings are likely worn, and replacing them (along with the seals) should stop the leaks and restore proper operation at https://en.tradebearings.com/HA590644-242377.html
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