Rear axle seal leak - Passenger

[bgrams01]

[color=darkorange]Anyone know or have a schematic of axle/rotor assemble that details parts. This is a 3/4 ton Floating axle and should have the inside seal part of the rotor.

[amac209]

the seal is actually in the hub(thing rotor fits on) anyway you need to unbolt the axle and pull it out, unbolt the caliper bracket, remove the rotor. to get the hub off remove the retaining ring with a pick for screwdriver, slide out the lock, mark the groove the lock was in. remove the bearing retainer with either the special socket or a chisel and hammer. the hub should slide off the axle tube now. remove the seal with some kind of prying tool and install the new seal, put a little grease or gear oil in the new seal before putting it back together. you'll want to clean all the old oil up before putting everything back together a few cans of brake cleaner and shop towels will help out. you should replace the park brake shoes and maybe brake pads too since they are oil contaminated, a big pair of pliers or c-clamp will be needed to push the caliper pistons back in if you put on new pads. it's also a good idea to but some thread locker on the caliper bolts so they don't fall out. you will also need a new axleshaft flange gasket or you can use a little silicone. i know this sounds like a big job but it's not too bad if you have some experience as a backyard mechanic. have fun!!

[02sil'ado4.8]

amac209, I have exactly the same problem. My ? is, should I do both sides while I am there? Should I replace the bearings also while I am there? Over 165K on the odometer. Any help appreciated!

[cramer_77]

i have done this a few times on my truck and on a couple at work. Because these are the floating rear axles, there is a certain way you have to torque these or you will just be doing this job again before too long. not sure what year yours is, but i know on my 01 it tells me to torque it to a certain ft lbs( that i can't remember at the time) then to back the nut off and finger tighten it and insert the key way. i didn't torque it right the first time i did it and maybe 6 months later i was doing it again. its not really that bad of a job though, it just takes a special socket to deal with the nut behind the axle.