Axle install problems

[playwithit]

Recently had gears and arbs installed in my D30 and in a d44. Well, the 44 is pushing gear oil out the vent. I spoke with the setup guy and he did not drill the 44 for the oil return from axle tube. I am pretty sure this is the problem. I have already relocated the vent tube to the gas fill location as well as shortened the threaded fitting at the axle. He recommended I relocated the breather to the pumpkin. I think this is a band aid and will mask the problem of oil getting trapped in axle tube.

Then, the drivers side front started leaking. So I need to remove the carrier to replace seals in the front. This can be done with a couple of prybars?

I guess the positive is the gears are setup and the ARB does not leak.

So I can just remove the carriers make the repairs and reinstall the carriers with no resetup, right? What tool is the best to remove and replace oil seals? Can I use a pipe? What size?

Anyone close want to come to Fairfield this weekend and catch a Airlocker or two for me? Beer, pizza on me.

 

[Letterman]

I had the same issue on my rear arb, you do not need to pull the carrier, just the one side axle and then pull the cap to drill the drain hole.

DO NOT put the vent on the pumpkin, the oil will still go to the axle tube and after time it will push out past the seal and you will have other issues.

You will need to pull the carrier in front to replace the seal, the seals on a dana 30 can get messed up when you push the axle back in. Once you replace the seal make sure you are gentle when sliding that axle in. You should really know what you are doing before pulling a carrier, caps need to go back in on same side, right tork on bolts etc.

 

[playwithit]

I had the same issue on my rear arb, you do not need to pull the carrier, just the one side axle and then pull the cap to drill the drain hole.

You will need to pull the carrier in front to replace the seal, the seals on a dana 30 can get messed up when you push the axle back in. Once you replace the seal make sure you are gentle when sliding that axle in. You should really know what you are doing before pulling a carrier, caps need to go back in on same side, right tork on bolts etc.

D44 - I was concerned about metal shavings. Where exactly to drill the hole?

D30 - I have a good understanding of the importance to reinstall carrier correctly. I will mark caps and I have all the torque values. I am proficient in auto mechanics. Just paid welndmn to setup the gears.

Thank you for the information/advice.

 

[Letterman]

The ARB instructions will tell you the right drill bit size and even has a photo on where to drill. It is only on the drivers side, on the lower part of the axle tube/carrier so the oil can drain back in to the pumkin, on the outside of the bearing cap. I have done it on a few axles now, and some axles do not need to be drilled, the instructions show good photos of what to look for.

It is not too hard to make sure you get most all the metal shavings out of the axle.

 

[playwithit]

Just a heads up, Mark (welndmn) called and is ready to take care of the issues. I will most likely take care of it myself this weekend. I could have damaged the front seal when I installed the shafts, can't blame that on him.

For anyone wanting gears and/or lockers, Mark in Brentwood is a very good, standup and fair priced (inexpensive) mechanic. He's on Pirate or pm me for information.

 

[playwithit]

Well, got everything back together.

D30 - Swapping out the bad seal was not hard at all. Had a friend there to tap a wood dowel through the passenger side axle tube, while I lined up a 36mm socket on the new seal.

Then I reinstalled the Air Locker. This was easy, picked it up (little greasy), holding the shims in my right hand kinda turned it in to the housing . I was told to be very careful with the seal housing tube, but it was easy to work with it. Got the bearing caps lined up and torqued them to 65 foot pounds.

Axle shafts reinstalled, filled axle, done.

D44 - Even when I drilled the housing I wasn't 100% sure I got it in the correct spot. The picture in the RD116 installation guide was not the same housing as the XJ D44.

Without removing the diff, only the drivers side bearing cap, I marked a spot and drilled. Used a rag and a magnet to keep it clean. The spot I drilled was about 3/8" thick. Sound right? Oil came out of the hole from the axle tube, so I am assumming it is correct.

Took it for a short run, and all looks good so far.

I love the Lube Lockers. Anyone that doesn't use these needs their head examined.:twak: No RTV cleanup = :clap:.

Oh, ya, thanks to everyone that helped. At least I didn't have to share my beer.

 

[playwithit]

Few pics of the fun.