M35A3 Front Axle Leak

[Clay James]

I put grease on the U joints, the thrust washers and in the spindle bushings, but don't fill up the knuckles like the military does. Seems to work fine so far.

 

[MikeON]

Navo:
Is your truck still staying dry? I just installed new silicone zipperless boots, inner and outer seals, wheel cylinders, and brake hoses in the front axle. Without the truck being moved at all, this morning I see something like a light oil or brake fluid dripping off the 4 bottom bolts and back of the brake plate, just like your pictures. I pulled off the right brake drum and inside the drum and brake assembly were clean and dry. I used Permatex on the inner seal and retainer, and on the spindle flange. I did not use it on the bottom kingpin retainer plate and 4 bolts. I don't think it is gear oil because the differential is low and there was not significant amount of oil in the axle housing.
Thanks,
Mike

 

[Navo]

Mike,

Did you bleed the breaks yet? I think my problem was, I bled the breaks before putting silicone around the break line. I think a mixture of break fluid and the cleaner I was using made its way down around the housing and was seeping out of the four bolts and between the plates.

I did add RTV and Teflon tape to the kinpin Bolts on the passenger side. However When I broke down the passenger side and noticed everything was fine, I didnt touch the driver side.

I haven driven her almost 500 miles and no leakes! So basicly if you feel you installed everything correctly give it a few days to seep out. OR you can go ahead and add the RTV and Teflon tape.

Let me know!

 

[MikeON]

Navo:
Yes, I had bled the brakes.
And it has stopped dripping. Thanks for your help.
Mike

 

[Navo]

Mike,

That's great news! I know how you were feeling.

Next step- Go Driving!!

Andrew