Author Topic: Axle Seal? Yeah pretty sure but would like another opinion :)  (Read 1456 times)

Offline mpeche92372

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Hi Guys,

I have been a member here for a long time, but I don't post much..  just kinda real a lot, etc.  I had my 87 K10 1/2 ton in storage for a few months, since I was moving.  I finally brought it out of hibernation, drove it to my new home and I believe I have a bad axle seal, as the pictures are what greeted me this AM.  Just looking to have some of you guys here that know a TON more then I confirm it.  I also have to come up with the parts list to get this done:


Axle Seals (might as well do both sides)
Gear Oil
Gasket for diff cover
RTV sealant for cover

Any special tools I might need?
Tips tricks??

Thanks in Advance!!!


Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Axle Seal? Yeah pretty sure but would like another opinion :)
« Reply #1 on: May 04, 2020, 01:54:44 PM »
If it is gear oil, then yes it would be axle seals. If it is brake fluid, then wheel cylinder.
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              ⌠ŻŻŻŻŻ'   [☼===☼]
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74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline mpeche92372

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Re: Axle Seal? Yeah pretty sure but would like another opinion :)
« Reply #2 on: May 04, 2020, 02:37:24 PM »
Thanks Vile...

I never thought about it possibly being a wheel cylinder.  Does the fluid have a different smell/viscosity? 
I guess I will start by pulling the wheel off and go from there.


Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Axle Seal? Yeah pretty sure but would like another opinion :)
« Reply #3 on: May 04, 2020, 03:19:18 PM »
yes and brake fluid will rinse away with water while gear oil will leave a stinky and slippery residue.
,                           ___ 
                         /  _ _ _\_
              ⌠ŻŻŻŻŻ'   [☼===☼]
              `()_);-;()_)--o--)_)

74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline mpeche92372

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Re: Axle Seal? Yeah pretty sure but would like another opinion :)
« Reply #4 on: May 04, 2020, 03:42:48 PM »
Another great tip.  I knew you were the expert   ;D
I'm pretty sure at this point it's an axle seal.

If I pull the wheel and drum off will I be able to tell for sure??

Offline FlatBlack77

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Re: Axle Seal? Yeah pretty sure but would like another opinion :)
« Reply #5 on: May 04, 2020, 05:46:48 PM »
Once you get the drum off the source will be obvious.

Axle seals arent fun to change but it's not as hard as changing the axle bearings. I went through that last summer.
"When you are a hammer, everything looks like a nail"
'77 C/10 - 350/350 mild street motor