INNER AXLE SEAL REPLACEMENT

is there any tricks in replacing the inner axle seal on a 68'dodge coronet with a 8.75 rear end. i replaced the seal on the driver's side during the restoration of my car, it has been about 4years however the car only has about 50road miles on it and the inner seal is leaking, i am thinking maybe i did something wrong, the seal was not leaking when i replaced it, i replaced everything while i had everything tore down going thru replacing all wear item parts , i do have an old auto repair manual with an exploded view of the rear end, however , does not give me a step by step, i am thinking that i can jack up the driver's side enough that i do not have drain the gear oil?
thanks

Last time I replaced one I went to Pep Boys and used their loaner seal driver (installer) tool. Using this tool helps the seal go in straight. No need to drain the gear oil jacking it up on one side.

The splines on the axle can cut the seal. When installing the axle, first put some grease on the seal lip. Then wrap the splines in paper. A small note pad size will do. Push the splines through the seal with the paper wrapped around... just hold on to an edge of the paper so it doesn't go all the way in the axle. Once the splines are through, pull the paper out and insert axle the rest of the way carefully so you don't put a lot of pressure on the seal lip.

The only other tip is check the bore where the seal goes for any scratches from prior seal removal efforts. Thorough cleaning and a little dab of RTV on any scratches should prevent leaks there.

are you talking about putting a piece of paper towel around the end of the axle while putting it back thru the seal?

I use a piece of writing or note paper which is smoother than paper towel. With grease on the seal, it slides in pretty easy.

i need all the tricks i can get, thanks for the input, i will also try to borrow a axle seal installer this time, i used a piece of plumbing pipe last time to install

a buddy of mine, was telling me to make sure the adjuster on the axle shaft is set right, mine is 68'dodge coronet with 8.75 rear, i do not have an adjuster on the axle, the inner bearing is pressed on
and axle assembly is held in by outer plate with 5 nuts that screw down on the housing inside the brake drum, i do not have an adjuster, does anybody know what he could be referring to?

Often when driving the seal the garter spring pops loose.. When this happens there is no pressure holding the seal against the shaft... Pack the cavity on the back side of the seal with grease before trying to drive the seal..

As mentioned a good driver will help getting the seal driven squarely, I've used the proper tool but also have improvised with a large washer & the top of a jack stand, a large socket & extension.. What ever you use it needs to drive the seal very close to the outer edge, if your driver is to small the sel will distort & fail..

Also if your end play on the bearings is to loose it will allow the bearing to be pushed off center due to the tapered design of the bearing..

Get after it!!!

While writing this post you posted.. Your friend is correct, the adjuster is on the passenger side & the end play is set for both sides with one adjuster...

On the right side, the plate with 5 bolts should have a star wheel arrangemewnt accessible from the outside with dreum removed. The star wheel adjusts axle end play. From memory the FSM calls for .012" but I set mine a little tighter, .008 with a dial indicator. Once adjusted, there should be a retainer that holds the star wheel in place. The retainer is held on by one of the the 5 studs/nuts on the right side.

thanks for the input Randy, always good to hear from you

okay, that explains the adjuster question, only on the passenger side,
i did not mess with it when i replaced the seal on the passenger side,
my buddy said if i am not having any problems with the rear end that i should be okay? i guess i did not even realize it had a adjuster, i just put everything back together like it was when i took it apart.

Happy to help, you should be getting close to the fun part... Taking the family on long drives around the country, seeing all the sights the USA has to offer.. Maybe just in your area, maybe further as you get the bug...