OK got some dumb questions but I need help. On the topic of the new axle seals, which way are they supposed to fit, concave are towards the differential or solid side? AND are the new seals (rubber Part) supposed to fit tight up against the axle shaft to prevent the leaks. I purchased both Dave S. and Rick B recommended new axle seals and neither one fit exactly and when I put the seal around the axle shaft there is a large gap. Not sure if this is supposed to be that way or not. I would think if it does not fit tight around the axle (the rubber part of the seal) that it would leak. Any help would be appreciated.
Where Are You From? Oviedo, Florida
Do You own a car built by Durant? 1928 Durant Model 65 4 door sedan
Ditto with Dave. Look at the inside rear wheel hub. You can see where the seal rides on the outside of the hub.
Neat tip: To prevent oil from leaking along the axle taper and wheel hub, my '35 Ford uses a gasket under the axle nut to fix this.
Where Are You From? Texarkana, TX
Do You own a car built by Durant? Several and one in the "oven"!
The way I would attack the specific issues of sealing are first, determine which surface diameters, ID and OD that do the sealing. Next accurately measure those diameters with a machinist caliper. Determine the maximum depth available for the seal. Next, Google "Seal Specification Guide" and choose the PDF catalog put out by Timken. Their is plenty of other information on the web to offer help if you don't like this one. The guide will list seal design types, material sealing types, seal nomenclature, seal installation, and an exhaustive list of all the sealing sizes available with part numbers. Probably way more information then you will need for this task. The list selection catagory begins with the smallest shaft diameter, bore diameter, press fit diameter (seal O.D.), and specs for each seal. When you determine which seal will work for your application, use the part number as it is listed, or cross reference the number to your desired brand. Good luck.
Thanks guys for the assistance on this. I'm not a machinist but I'll figure this thing out. I ordered the seals Rick used, the ones Dave used and all of them come close to fitting the area it needs to fit in, but does not seal around the axle shaft as it should. Figures Durant probably used a number of different axle shafts for production doesn't it. Rick's is the closed to the other diameter and depth, but not the rubber part seal which is about almost a 1/4 inch bigger around the axle. I just ordered a set of seals that Steve used and see if they are closer. I'll also find the chart of seals that Steve mentions and try and figure out the measurements. I only have a caliper and not a machinist micrometer to get inside there. I'll keep fiddling with it and see what I can come up with. Dave the pinion unit had three metal shims between the pinion mount and the differential that I've saved so I do have them. Thankks.
Where Are You From? Oviedo, Florida
Do You own a car built by Durant? 1928 Durant Model 65 4 door sedan
In many cases seals have the "double lip" incorporated in the design for sealing on a rotating/sliding shaft or diameter. Look closely at the cross section of the seal and only one lip seals against fluid leaking out of the cavity (in this case, oil out of the differential). This lip would be the larger or the more prominent lip of the seal and should be pointed toward the fluid to be sealed. Depending on the application, this lip may have a small spring wrapped around the outer diameter of the lip to give tension to the seal lip. The other lip points in the opposite direction and is there to keep any foreign debris (dirt, water, etc.) from entering the area being sealed. If their is only one lip seal then it should be installed pointing toward the fluid. Hope this helps.