Axle seals leaking caused by storage ?
02-10-2017, 05:20 PM
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Axle seals leaking caused by storage ?
Hello, my 2006 F150 5,4 sits in my shack for 6-8 months during the long winter every year.
I will pull it out in a few weeks for the first time after a long break.
A mechanics told me after such a long time of no movement the gear oil will be off the axles' seals. It will take several miles until the oil is back on the seals, but until then their surface will be "burned" due to lack of oil. Result will be leaking seals. A Buddy has seen this problem with his Hemi after a long period of storage.
So... it sounds not to wired, almost logical, but what is reality?
I thought about applying WD40 from outside, but guess there is no way to access the seals.
Anyone out there having had any issues like that?
I am asking because out in the bush I need to plan for parts and repairs well in advance.....town is far away.
I will pull it out in a few weeks for the first time after a long break.
A mechanics told me after such a long time of no movement the gear oil will be off the axles' seals. It will take several miles until the oil is back on the seals, but until then their surface will be "burned" due to lack of oil. Result will be leaking seals. A Buddy has seen this problem with his Hemi after a long period of storage.
So... it sounds not to wired, almost logical, but what is reality?
I thought about applying WD40 from outside, but guess there is no way to access the seals.
Anyone out there having had any issues like that?
I am asking because out in the bush I need to plan for parts and repairs well in advance.....town is far away.
02-10-2017, 07:34 PM
#2
Senior Member
That would be about the last of my concerns. I've never heard of anything like that. We have all kinds of equipment that sits for months on end and never experienced such an issue. Even if it were a significant concern, what would the solution be?
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Yukon-F (02-11-2017)
02-11-2017, 01:03 AM
#3
Senior Member
With old materials and lubricants, I'd be concerned.
With modern seals and lubes, not so much. The seals aren't rubber, they're synthetic material.
With modern seals and lubes, not so much. The seals aren't rubber, they're synthetic material.
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Yukon-F (02-11-2017)
02-11-2017, 08:42 AM
#5
Senior Member
The old seal material, when left un-exercised for a period of time, would get physically hard, and do exactly what your buddy is telling you. The new materials stay soft, and the film coat will remain for a long time.
I'd be more worried about mice finding your harnesses tasty than worried about the seals drying out.
I'd be more worried about mice finding your harnesses tasty than worried about the seals drying out.
02-11-2017, 08:54 AM
#6
Senior Member
02-11-2017, 09:38 AM
#7
Member
Thread Starter
So far no issues with mice during winter, maybe up here in the Yukon they freeze their little b...s off at 30° below.
Porcupines were a real pain last summer, chewing up a Kerosene canister and... a brake hose. Will give them a hard time if they show up again
Porcupines were a real pain last summer, chewing up a Kerosene canister and... a brake hose. Will give them a hard time if they show up again