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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => 4 Wheel Drives => Topic started by: zacksmith03 on February 11, 2020, 03:31:45 PM

Title: Axles in water
Post by: zacksmith03 on February 11, 2020, 03:31:45 PM
Is it ok to take water above the wheel hub, or will the water ruin them? I've heard that it will but I dont know if it's a myth or not.
Title: Re: Axles in water
Post by: Irish_Alley on February 11, 2020, 06:43:51 PM
theoretically it should be ok if the seals are in good working order. when mudding i would only have to worry if the water got into the vent tubes. 
Title: Re: Axles in water
Post by: JohnnyPopper on February 11, 2020, 06:48:22 PM
Do you know where your vent tubes are located?
 
You can always extend them higher if they're not above the water line.
Title: Re: Axles in water
Post by: bd on February 11, 2020, 06:59:01 PM
Except as noted regarding the axle vents and assuming the axles/hubs are properly filled with lubricant, if oil/grease isn't leaking out, water won't leak in.  Nevertheless, it is not a good idea to leave the axles submerged in water for long periods.
Title: Re: Axles in water
Post by: JohnnyPopper on February 11, 2020, 07:11:15 PM
Copy that bd.

Knew of a case where they went into water while running gear was hot, sat in water too long, cooled off the gear and created a vacuum that sucked in water through the vents that weren't quite high enough.

Pulled water and sand into places that should never meet...  :o
Title: Re: Axles in water
Post by: zacksmith03 on February 12, 2020, 11:03:27 PM
Vents are way up out of the way where I'll never get any water. Front vent goes almost to the to of the firewall. Thanks for the info!
Title: Re: Axles in water
Post by: MIKE S on February 13, 2020, 10:24:30 AM
Agree with Johnny Popper. Hot axle in cold water will create a vacuum. It can also pull in water at the axle seals under those conditions. Most seals are designed to only seal in one direction. Some will have a dust lip on them but wont stop liquids from passing. that's why seals are only installed in one direction. If the seal has a tension spring on the lip, then it is installed on the side that you want the liquid retained. If your a boat guy remember you greaseable buddy bearings. You grease them until the cap spring compresses. The tension keeps pressure on the seal so when the axle gets submerged in the water the grease pressure keeps the water out.