GM 14 bolt SF axle repair?

LJD · Oct 2, 2012

I found a lot of gear oil dripping out of my GM axles. Brakes are soaked and ruined. It's a 14 bolt semi-floating 9.5" unit. So, I yanked the axle out and found the area where seal rides is all pitted. So, I figured I'd buy a repair seal kit that uses a new press-on wear surface. No good. No such thing available for this axle. I'm pretty surprised. What IS available is a special new bearing with an integral seal that sticks out 1/4" further to ride on a new part of the axle. Also NO good. The axle is pitted there also - but fine on the bearing surface.

All I can say it I'm glad Rock Auto is around. Local NAPA wants almost $400 for a new axle. Rock Auto has it for $105.

Anybody know of good fix for this problem besides axle replacement?

CAROGATOR · Oct 2, 2012

Bearing Distributors may have stainless sleeves.
Have been able to find assorted sizes here.

guido · Oct 2, 2012

Hello,
You did not enter the size, but you may find it
At SKF.COM. On the seach bar enter wear sleeve.
Look on the left lower column for the search resuts
Guido.
Poke Here

Revredneck · Oct 2, 2012

I've used "axle saver" bearings with good success. You have to remove the old bearing from the axle tube and then drive the new bearing into the tube as far as it will go. It re-locates both the bearing and seal surface contact points on the axle shaft. Unfortunately, too many people at the parts counter don't know about them unless you ask for them specifically.
Good Luck and God Bless

LJD · Oct 2, 2012

In answer to a few responses. As far a I know - the seal kits with liners are not available. The extended bearing kit will not work because there IS no new unworn spot for the new seal to ride on.

I've installed many of the seal kits with press-on liners for other things. Not available though for the GM 14 bolt, 9.5", semi-floating rear axle. Pretty common axle in 3/4 GM vehicles and some heavy 1/2 tons.

I've got no trouble finding part #s at NAPA, Autozone, Advance, etc. Problem is they do not sell the parts for this rear axle.

Axle OD where the seal rides is 1.705". OD of the seal is 3.084".

The seal kits like what SKF sells as a "Speedi-Sleeve" and National/Timken as "Redi-Sleeve" do not have this size. They sell for an axle shaft size of 1.693" OD and then jump to 1.719".

As I stated earlier - the only thing I find for repairing axles with seal problems is the special bearing with a built-in seal that rides on a new part of the shaft. SKF # R-1561-G. It won't work.

I'm a little baffled that on company I find sells a repair sleeve for a 1.705" shaft. Not even anything close.

george md · Oct 2, 2012

Jd ,

Metal spray ( low temperature won't hurt
the heat treatment of the axle) with a high
nickel of stainless on it won't rust again.
Been doing things like for years, works great.

george

LJD · Oct 2, 2012

Yes, I wish I had a way of getting it done locally. Up to a few years ago there was a crankshaft shop nearby that did spray welding. No more though.

guido · Oct 2, 2012

Hello LJD,
How about a metric size?
I've seen one that is 43.2 MM. I.D.
Is that close enough?
Guido.

GM 14 bolt SF axle repair?

LJD

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CAROGATOR

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guido

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Revredneck

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LJD

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george md

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LJD

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guido

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