AC Delco Axle Seals:

[Best4x4]

Just an update, but it appears that all of my leaking axle seal issues were due to the brand of the axle seals. I used National axle seals originally with my Cardone CV axles and after 50-75 miles they were leaking horribly.

I ordered 4 AC Delco seals for 9.00 each and I installed them exactly the same way I did the National branded ones. I have gone 100 miles and not a single drop is leaking out. Just wanted to let everyone know if your planning on some new seals stick with the "made in Brazil" AC Delco ones vs National ones.

 

[f5moab]

Won't say that AC are not better, but we found in engineering that the majority of leak problems were due to not using an axle seal protector when installing the axle. Of course, when we did it, and for warranty, GM authorized parts were used and required.

 

[Best4x4]

I can see using an axle seal protector if you've got shakey hands on a H3, but the actual splines are a much smaller diameter vs the axle seal opening.

From what I could tell the nationals outer lip/seal was designed differently vs the AC Delco. I never got near the seals with the splines. Also the nationals were extremely hard to get into position vs the AC Delco's which might have had something to do with the nationals failing.

I'm even running the Cardone CV's which I had also suspected, but in the end it was the seals.

 

[CaddyStrophic]

Thanks for the heads up, I'll probably be doing 2 seals in the Spring.

 

[MaxPF]

What color was the OD of the AC Delco seals?

 

[Best4x4]

The metal backing was silver on the AC Delco. Nationals were like a bronze.

 

[08H3]

Where did you get them for $9?

 

[MaxPF]

The metal backing was silver on the AC Delco. Nationals were like a bronze.

Do you remember what color the sealant on the outer diameter was? Green? Orange? Red?

 

[Best4x4]

The color of the outer metal to rubber seal was like yellow/greenish color for the front axle seals. I had a discount code for rockauto.

 

[MaxPF]

The color of the outer metal to rubber seal was like yellow/greenish color for the front axle seals. I had a discount code for rockauto.

The outer edge was yellowish-green? The part I'm talking about is red on these particular seals:

 

[chad]

well if you just get the oem ones from the dealer then there shouldnt be a problem, i only paid $17 for my seal i replaced yesterday. its not a job i enjoy doing so i like to get it done once and be done, even though that wasn't the case with this last job, i replaced the seal but not the bearings and ended replacing everything yesterday.

 

[Best4x4]

Wrong seal Max, not talking rear seals, but the front axle seals.

 

[MaxPF]

Wrong seal Max, not talking rear seals, but the front axle seals.

I know, I was thinking it was a conventional seal. I didn't realize it was a rubber overmolded cartridge seal. I was curious who manufactured the seal AC Delco was selling. I still find it bizzare that the Nationals leaked

 

[Best4x4]

The nationals gushed like a TX oil well!!!