Changing the front axle seals.

Ryan · Post by **Ryan** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 2:39 pm

Can I change the seals around the knuckles on my front axle on a 52 m38 without takeing hub and all off? Havent gotten this far yet but im figuring that when I remove the cover off of the differential it will be milky.

Jeeps4Brains · Post by **Jeeps4Brains** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 7:50 pm

The kit I bought (and I have now found out there are better ones) had two piece metal out side retainers. If I remember correctly I had to cut the rubber and metal inner seal to just get it over the outside of the knuckle with everything apart. That was to stretch it just a small amount. I didn’t have to cut the felt seal. To do what you want you would have to cut both. The felt seal will be easy after it is cut. The metal and rubber one will be hard to stretch over the diameter of the axle housing. It can be done. I have seen it done on a Samurai before and it is very similar to a jeep in design. Just make sure all the joints are facing the top of the housing. RTV at the cuts would help out too.

Post by **wesk** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 8:52 pm

Permatex #1 is a better choice for sealing against oil and fuel.

Ryan · Post by **Ryan** » Tue Jun 13, 2006 7:24 am

So I can just cut the seals and it will work?