Rear axle seals on 01 2500 HD silverado

[foulpole18]

Here's the problem. I've had my passenger side seal replaced 4 times in the last year. 3 times you could smell it burning and 1 time it was torn so bad it leaked fluid down my tire. They keep replacing it saying it's fixed but the last tire I hooked up the boat and drove 50 miles. Everything is fine. Drive home and can smell it burning.

Is this something that had a service bulletin or is it just bad luck. Last time they used seals from the dealer. This is really starting to get annoying.

Any help would be greatly appreciated

thanks Brian

[jeffreyd]

TSB Number

Drive Train: POWER TRAIN:AXLE HUBS

Service Bulletin Number: 01222A

NHTSA Number: 10007278

Model Years Affected: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004

Date of Bulletin: 06/2004

Bulletin Summary: REPEAT REAR AXLE HUB SEAL LEAK.

[foulpole18]

Thanks jeffreyd. What does it say the repair is.

Thanks

[jeffreyd]

It does not but you could call the dealer and give them the tsb number and find out. Are you doing these repairs yourself? If so are you using a seal driver to set the seal? Also are you buying the seal from the dealer or a parts store?

[foulpole18]

No I'm not doing them. I've had 3 done at a shop and 1 done at a dealer and they still are leaking.

[53orbigger]

I have the same issue with my 01 2500HD. Does anyone know if there is anything else that can/should be done other than to continue to replace the seals? There must be some reason they continue to go bad.

Thanks

53orbigger

[Jeremy airjer W]

I think what the deal is is there is a known problem that has been assigned a TSB# but has yet to be resolved. I have searched extensively all the information I have access to and cannot find a solution.

If it where me and the second one failed from the dealer I would be taking a closer look at the bearing and axle. Possibly recommending both.

[Scott K]

How about a plugged vent hose?

[Jeremy airjer W]

OOOOOOHHH, good one! Didn't even cross my mind.

[Jeremy airjer W]

I wonder why its always the passenger side though?

[Scott K]

I guess if I was doing this job, I would look closely at the axle, make sure there are no pits, make sure it doesnt wobble, not bent, I would replace the bearings and seals, then remove and make for certain the vent hose breathes well. If it comes back after that, replace the truck!

[foulpole18]

They said that they check the vent hose and it was clear. I glad they keep replacing them for no cost to me , but it's starting to get very irritating.

[jeffreyd]

the vent hose should loop up with a breather on the end. now if that hose is not looped, or the breather is clogged then that could be an issue. I think that as airjer noted that if there is a known problem and no fix issued, then something in the mfg process went on. You could mic the seal ID and the seat on the axle to make sure they did not use a seal that was too small. if it was too tight, it would "burn" as you noted and leak. Good luck.

[Macgyver55]

Which style differential do you have? Is the seal installed in the back of the hub, or is it in the end of the axle tube? On an HD, I would assume that its in the hub, and it seals on the axle tube surface. If this is what you have, they do make "speedi-sleeves" that can be installed to repair the seal surface if it is damaged. A worn or marred seal surface will continue to take out seals if it is not repaired when the seal is replaced.