Axle Seal Replacement

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Title: Axle seal replacement
Post by: paul on November 12, 2008, 01:55:18 PM
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Hello

All went well with my differential refill and now I have a small leak(maybe a 1/2cup to 1 cup total in 5 days) at the rear axle grease seal?(the axle seal behind the brakes). I looked through the Service manual and that seal is not pictured. How do I remove the axle to get to the seal or is there another method to seal it.

Maybe I over filled and it's the excess

Thanks again
paul



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Title: Re: Axle seal replacement
Post by: Charles Adamson on November 12, 2008, 08:17:35 PM
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Did you take any pictures while filling the diff?
How about a picture of the leak?


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Title: Re: Axle seal replacement
Post by: paul on November 12, 2008, 10:32:01 PM
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Leak is at the seal behind the axle flange and shoes so clear pic isn't possible.


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Title: Re: Axle seal replacement
Post by: Henry Magno on November 13, 2008, 06:17:20 AM
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You have to remove the brakes and pull the axle shaft with the brake plate to do this job. What model is this? It should be in the shop manual.


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Title: Re: Axle seal replacement
Post by: paul on November 15, 2008, 07:51:56 PM
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Hi

it's a 51' 170s Cab. Will the axle just pull out when the brakes and backing plate is removed. I have the tire removed and axle hanging low but only a few drips now. Maybe I overfilled and what i initially saw was the run off but then again the seal shouldn't be leaking. I know the rearend is full since I just filled it. Is the seal on the backing plate or the axle housing

Thanks


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Title: Re: Axle seal replacement
Post by: John Ellis on November 15, 2008, 10:55:03 PM
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Here is a diagram of the axle assembly from the 170 service manual

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Title: Re: Axle seal replacement
Post by: Henry Magno on November 16, 2008, 12:50:10 PM
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You will need a slide hammer puller and you will likely need the wrench for the nut on the axle shaft that holds the bearing.


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Title: Re: Axle seal replacement
Post by: paul on November 16, 2008, 05:28:14 PM
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John Thanks for the large pic and Henry I was afraid I would need a special wrench to remove the nut. I'll see how much the wrench costs and decide if to buy the tool or have a shop do the seal

thank you

paul


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Title: Re: Axle seal replacement
Post by: Henry Magno on November 16, 2008, 08:42:19 PM
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If you get the axles out, you might find a Mercedes repair shop or dealer who would have the wrench and could take off the nut. They might have the puller to remove the bearing as well.