mike5368

Ok so I have a 98 xj sport. Here is the problem. The axle seals were leaking and I replaced both of them. The driver side kept leaking so I did them both again. The damn driver side is still leaking! I used rtv and I cleaned everything very well. I have no idea why it won't seal. What would cause this? I really took my time and just don't know the problem or how to stop this. Help please

mike5368

Nothing fellas? Someone has to have some idea.

nickxj94

You sure you didn't damage the seal when you reinstalled the shaft? Could of its not hard to pop the little spring off it

mike5368

I'm pretty sure it went in properly. I really had no problem installing it

mike5368

Could the shaft be slightly worn where the seal would sit?

nickxj94

Unless there is a crack in the housing but its doubtful you probably got a bad seal or damaged it

mike5368

Ok I can see damaging the seal. I'm not a master machanic. But 2 new seals on the same side? I just don't think that's the case. Is there anything else that could cause this?

nickxj94

How long ago did you replace them? Since the one was leaking when you did it the first time its possible there is still oil in the tube mine dripped for two weeks after I replaced mine when I broke a shaft.

mike5368

The first time was 6 weeks ago. It got real bad last week. I had to put fluid in every other day. I did it the second time a few days ago. I did try to clean out the tube. I sprayed brake cleaner in the tube and ran a cloth through it on a pole

Dan91

Only thing I can think of is that you didn't fully seat the seals. There are machined bosses for the seal flange so it will bottom out by itself; no worry of pushing it in too far. So could be just sitting crooked. Also, you don't need any RTV with the axle seals.

stephenfarris

I had to replace a shaft to fix mine. Believe it or not, a rubber seal can leave a groove in a steel axle! Short term solution for me was to apply a skim coat of black permatex to the axle shaft at the seal area.

mike5368

Ok well where is a good place to get one and how do I know if I have a 27 spline or a 30?

freegdr

had a groove in the axle hugh?

nickxj94

All d30s have 27 spline from factory in the Xj

mike5368

Thanks. Know a good place to buy one? Ever deal with any of the ones on rock auto?