Rear axle seal questions.

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Kevin Foust

Full Access Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2019
Posts
52
Reaction score
60
Location
45325
First Name
kevin
Truck Year
1978 and 1980
Truck Model
K30's
Engine Size
400?
Did some searching and really didn't see an answer to this so I figured I'd ask as I'm sure some have gone through this. Both hub seals are leaking and it's a 1978 K30 14 bolt full floater with a 10 1/2" ring gear. spindle hub DOES have some grooving. When I regeared it 10 years ago I moved the new seal some from where the other was to get a true surface. I guess it too has now wore one is as it's starting to fling oil again. I have not tore it apart yet but want to gather parts. Is it best to go with the new style 2 piece seals? SKF 28635 part number that I have been told? My main question is should I install a Speedi sleeve on the surface as well or is it not needed with these seals? Is it better to just go with Speedi sleeve and original style seal? Any part # for the speedi sleeve? I had 99282 but local store says their list says it's not correct. This is on a show truck that is driven quite a bit so I don't want any leaks. Thanks for any input.

You must be registered for see images attach
 
Last edited:

JD Miller

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 30, 2024
Posts
74
Reaction score
138
Location
Goober Idaho
First Name
JD
Truck Year
1981
Truck Model
K20 silverado
Engine Size
350
I always polish seal contact areas even with a worn grove, with 400 grit wet or dry sand paper, make sure the grove area gets good attention so its smooth and wont tear up the new seal, maybe go to 600 grit too. I Never use speedi sleeve. Smear some clean grease on the surface and on the seal lip to lube the contact areas, Install new double lip seal or new what ever the seal is, and Ive never have had leaks
 

fast 99

Full Access Member
Joined
Dec 31, 2021
Posts
1,982
Reaction score
2,833
Location
Spokane, Washington
First Name
Brian
Truck Year
81,85
Truck Model
K20
Engine Size
350
2081 national may fit.

Seal can't be inspected during install. That's a problem with a speedy sleeve. It's more likely the outer double lip can fold back. I have never used a sleeve in that area. As suggested above polish the surface as best as possible and go with that. Also be very careful not to ding or damage seal during installation and use grease on the inside to hold the seal spring.
 

Kevin Foust

Full Access Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2019
Posts
52
Reaction score
60
Location
45325
First Name
kevin
Truck Year
1978 and 1980
Truck Model
K30's
Engine Size
400?
I may try the 2 piece seal first on one side and see how that goes. Maybe the Yukon seals were just low quality. Truck has 33,000 miles since it was all put in. Started weeping just before 30,000. It may be a case of low quality stuff but finding good quality is pretty hard with name buyouts and cutting corner companies.
 

Old Guy Bill

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 10, 2023
Posts
424
Reaction score
1,303
Location
KY
First Name
Bill
Truck Year
1978
Truck Model
K20
Engine Size
400
The seal areas on mine cleaned up good with emory cloth.
I used the $$ pricey double lip seals from ORD.
Time will tell…
 

Kevin Foust

Full Access Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2019
Posts
52
Reaction score
60
Location
45325
First Name
kevin
Truck Year
1978 and 1980
Truck Model
K30's
Engine Size
400?
When I get to that point, I'll see how the 2 piece seal fits on the spindle. They are supposed to lock on the spindle and the hub side is pressed in which stays put as well. The seals are designed to move inside each other. From what I've read, this is what the factory has gone to on the newer 14 bolts.
 

fast 99

Full Access Member
Joined
Dec 31, 2021
Posts
1,982
Reaction score
2,833
Location
Spokane, Washington
First Name
Brian
Truck Year
81,85
Truck Model
K20
Engine Size
350
During disassembly for a leaky axle seal, first check for a loose bearing. Any looseness will decrease the ability to seal.

If you're referring to an oil bath seal, be sure the hub is seated. Seals press on with quite a bit of resistance. Lubrication is a friend.
 

Kevin Foust

Full Access Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2019
Posts
52
Reaction score
60
Location
45325
First Name
kevin
Truck Year
1978 and 1980
Truck Model
K30's
Engine Size
400?
This is the type of seal I'm referring to.
You must be registered for see images attach


"
Upgraded 14 bolt hub seals.

If you have constantly leaking hub seals or a pitted/damaged seal surface, these hub seals are your answer. This is a two part seal: the inner "ring" slides over the seal surface on the spindle and seals it, no moving parts against the spindle. The seal surface is integrated as part of the seal, so it doesn't matter what shape your spindle is in. What it all comes down to is these seals WORK, and they seal MUCH better than the factory seal did!

For 10-1/2" ring gear, full floating 14 bolt"
 

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Threads
43,931
Posts
945,907
Members
35,973
Latest member
FixedTheNewelPost
Top