1970 Eldo - HELP! drive axle seal tearing all the time

[70eldo]

Hello,

I have this problem that the wheel side axle shaft seal (is this the correct name?) on the driver side axle shaft is tearing all the time. I replaced it 3 times now.

First time I had it replaced it tore within a week. Also the axle thread end broke so I had to replace the axle shaft. Additionally I replaced all the ball joints and then replaced the axle seal again. I was confident it should be ok now, but it tore again. I can't find no aparent reason for it to tear, because it doesn't seem to rub or touch anything.

I don't know how long this seal is going to hold. Please help me! What could be the reason?

[Ranger]

Are you putting electrical tape over the axle threads so a not to tear the seal as it is slipped over the threads? Is the differential lube up to the proper level to keep the seal lubed?

[70eldo]

The tear starts somewhere in the middle as if someone poked a whole in it with a screwdriver. There is enough lube it it, as the lube will come out a bit through the tear.

The rubber of the seal is so thick, I cannot imagine that the thread of the axle head could damage it that badly that it will tear within weeks. Plus, like I mentioned, the tear starts somewhere else...

thanks for your ideas though! Keep them coming! I really need to solve this mystery...

[Ranger]

Without looking at it and inspecting it, I am at a loss for anymore ideas.

[Krashed989]

Does something touch it when you turn the wheel?

[70eldo]

No, it doesn't touch anything. That's why it is such a mystery...

I will try to recover the torn seal to make a picture of it.

[70eldo]

The boot was thrown away. So I can't show any pictures...
any other ideas?

[Krashed989]

If it's a clean hole then I would suspect that whatever is puncturing it is inside the boot.

[Leeb]

Originally Posted by 70eldo

The boot was thrown away. So I can't show any pictures...
any other ideas?

Just one...
Check the cotter pin on the ball-joint to make sure it is bent up properly. Under certain conditions it can make contact with the boot while it spins.

Had that happen before, and SHREDDED the boot on the 1st rotation.

It is also possible that the boot was 'stressed' when installed... over or under-stretched. That also can cause it to split, usually at the 'accordion-fold'... if this boot is the original design that has only one 'fold'... some have a newer multi-fold boot...

Hope that helps!

[z06bigbird]

Little mouse in there with a pocket knife?? Take his knife away and give him some duct tape.

[Ranger]

Now that you guys mention "boot" I remember that the '70 Eldo was FWD. I was picturing a RWD axle seal, so disregard post #2. It has to be coming in contact with something and should be obvious. See if you can have a look at it with weight on the suspension and have someone turn the wheels lock to lock while inspecting it.

[70eldo]

Thanks for all the ideas!
Indeed, something must be touching it and I suspected the cotterpin before. But I might have overseen a situation where the boot might toch that. I could only inspect that while the car was jacked or when I was under it. Needless to say it is hard to check under the car when it is driving, especially interesting would be sharp corners...

The investigation will continue. Unfortunately, the Eldorado is about 500 miles away from me.

[Ranger]

Needless to say it is hard to check under the car when it is driving, especially interesting would be sharp corners...

What I meant was get it on ramps so that weight is on the suspension, then have someone turn the wheel while you observe it. I would not be under it at that time though. Do it from the front end.

[Krashed989]

And Have jack stands ready to catch the car in case one of the ramps decides to flip while you're turning the wheels.

[70eldo]

Thanks for all the help! I will keep you posted as soon as I get to it.