axle bearing leak ?

rod · 11-02-2017, 08:40 PM

I have a Ford 9" in my wagon. it has a small lube leak on the pass. side. none on the drive side. originally this housing had a seal in the housing, just inboard from the bearing. I have Strange 1.56 [or so] axles in it. I have not pulled the axle yet. should I be using a seal? if so how does the bearing get lube? [there is the possibility the the bearing seal has failed I know.]
if I have to buy a new bearing, what brand is best?
Thanks Rod in AZ

Rory McNeil · 11-02-2017, 09:59 PM

Is this the style of axle bearing that uses an O ring around the OD of the bearing, where it goes into the axle tube? If so, I always put a smear of RTV sealer around the O ring, had no leaks. Since the axle bearings are sealed, there is no need for gear oil to get into the bearings. Most 9" car axle bearings are sealed ball bearing style, some of the F 100/150 PU truck 9"s have tapered roller bearings, which do rely on gear oil lubrication, those have axle seals on the outside of the bearings. Not normally used in drag race applications.

dondon · 11-02-2017, 10:36 PM

A friend of mine bought a new ford truck and it leaked oil out by the backing plate. Ford replaced the seal under warranty, still leaked. Turned out the flange weld was all slag on the bottom of the housing.

rod butcher · 11-03-2017, 09:36 AM

Might want to make sure the vent for the housing is working. The mesh type vents can plug up.

Tim H · 11-03-2017, 10:49 AM

I had problems getting a replacement O ring in the exact same size. So after choosing the closest one we applied "The Right Stuff" from Permatex and all was good. (Strange axles in an OE housing with disc brake setup.)

brett3533 · 11-03-2017, 11:10 AM

An mechanic from the old days told me to use wheel bearing grease around the o/ring and bearing also put the grease on the flange and c/clip eliminator gasket tighten it up and it will never leak unless the vent is clogged . So far I never had another leak !

rod · 11-05-2017, 01:05 PM

Funny how the mind forgets and then is caused to bring back info. I do remember using heavy old style bearing grease, [like for front wheel bearings]
I did check the vent [pipe type with a loose cap]. it is OK.
in this small town, I will bet 'O' rings will be next to impossible to find, should I need one.
thanks all for the replys.
Rod in AZ

11-02-2017, 08:40 PM	#1
rod Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Kingman, NW AZ. in the middle of the longest stretch of Route 66 Posts: 307 Likes: 0 Liked 17 Times in 13 Posts	axle bearing leak ? I have a Ford 9" in my wagon. it has a small lube leak on the pass. side. none on the drive side. originally this housing had a seal in the housing, just inboard from the bearing. I have Strange 1.56 [or so] axles in it. I have not pulled the axle yet. should I be using a seal? if so how does the bearing get lube? [there is the possibility the the bearing seal has failed I know.] if I have to buy a new bearing, what brand is best? Thanks Rod in AZ

11-02-2017, 09:59 PM	#2
Rory McNeil VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: from Vancouver BC Canada, now in Nova Scotia Posts: 1,257 Likes: 245 Liked 939 Times in 259 Posts	Re: axle bearing leak ? Is this the style of axle bearing that uses an O ring around the OD of the bearing, where it goes into the axle tube? If so, I always put a smear of RTV sealer around the O ring, had no leaks. Since the axle bearings are sealed, there is no need for gear oil to get into the bearings. Most 9" car axle bearings are sealed ball bearing style, some of the F 100/150 PU truck 9"s have tapered roller bearings, which do rely on gear oil lubrication, those have axle seals on the outside of the bearings. Not normally used in drag race applications. __________________ NHRA 6390 STK M/S 85 Mustang

11-02-2017, 10:36 PM	#3
dondon Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 26 Likes: 8 Liked 10 Times in 5 Posts	Re: axle bearing leak ? A friend of mine bought a new ford truck and it leaked oil out by the backing plate. Ford replaced the seal under warranty, still leaked. Turned out the flange weld was all slag on the bottom of the housing.

11-03-2017, 09:36 AM	#4
rod butcher Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 248 Likes: 291 Liked 129 Times in 24 Posts	Re: axle bearing leak ? Might want to make sure the vent for the housing is working. The mesh type vents can plug up.

11-03-2017, 10:49 AM	#5
Tim H VIP Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 1,010 Likes: 898 Liked 430 Times in 142 Posts	Re: axle bearing leak ? I had problems getting a replacement O ring in the exact same size. So after choosing the closest one we applied "The Right Stuff" from Permatex and all was good. (Strange axles in an OE housing with disc brake setup.)

11-03-2017, 11:10 AM	#6
brett3533 Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: maysville Posts: 109 Likes: 15 Liked 33 Times in 9 Posts	Re: axle bearing leak ? An mechanic from the old days told me to use wheel bearing grease around the o/ring and bearing also put the grease on the flange and c/clip eliminator gasket tighten it up and it will never leak unless the vent is clogged . So far I never had another leak ! __________________ Brett McFarland A/S

11-05-2017, 01:05 PM	#7
rod Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Kingman, NW AZ. in the middle of the longest stretch of Route 66 Posts: 307 Likes: 0 Liked 17 Times in 13 Posts	Re: axle bearing leak ? Funny how the mind forgets and then is caused to bring back info. I do remember using heavy old style bearing grease, [like for front wheel bearings] I did check the vent [pipe type with a loose cap]. it is OK. in this small town, I will bet 'O' rings will be next to impossible to find, should I need one. thanks all for the replys. Rod in AZ