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| Opinions on the Best Axles and Axle Seals on a Stock 2.8 4-speed? (Page 1/3) |
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USMUCL
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JUN 02, 10:22 AM
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Hi all,
So the movement to refresh my low mileage garage queen continues (86 SE 4-speed V6). Seems like it is 2 steps forward, one back. But, it is getting done.
A while back, I paid a reputable shop to replace my leaking axle seals. When they did, the right seal took just great, the left leaked a little after a short time. So, I made them redo it.
This time, the same one is seeping again. I ensured all the right things (I think) when they did the labor, e.g. they are using Permatex between the outer ring and the casing to account for scratches, they are lubing the seal itself, etc.
So, the shop will do it again. They are a little perplexed, but did note that the axle on that side had some "pitting" long the point where the seal would meet it -- likely from the car sitting undriven so much. In case that is the cause, I agreed to supply them with a new axle since they aren't too expensive and I don't want to do this a 4th time. I also volunteered to bring my own seal -- just in case theirs is cheap and that is the issue.
So, as far as axles and seals go, is there a standard "best" for the stock Fiero? Cardone axle and ACDelco seal?
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olejoedad
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JUN 02, 11:31 AM
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USMUCL
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JUN 02, 11:38 AM
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You mean about the axle pitting causing the leak . . . or about Cardone axle and ACDelco seal?
EDIT: When I go to both Cardone's and ACDelco's parts catalogs, they show axles/seals only for the auto trans . . .[This message has been edited by USMUCL (edited 06-02-2017).]
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olejoedad
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JUN 02, 01:42 PM
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About the part choices....
The auto and manual trans use the same seals.....
Your local auto parts guy should be able to fix you up with the proper Cardone manual transmission axles.
All manual transmission equipped Fieros use the same axles, side for side.[This message has been edited by olejoedad (edited 06-02-2017).]
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cvxjet
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JUN 02, 08:16 PM
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The pitting could be causing the problem....You could replace it-even with one out of the JY if it's in good shape.....And I have to admit I don't know axle choices....Maybe someone with good knowledge will chime in.
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USMUCL
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JUN 02, 08:40 PM
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Thanks. On the first redo, they showed me the pitting, and then they used 320ish grit sandpaper to smooth it out. But, he was still concerned it could be an issue.
Now, with a new axle and an ACDelco seal, I'm hoping it will be good to go.
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wgpierce
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JUN 02, 11:30 PM
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Um, 320 sandpaper? if that got the pitting out (doubt it), needs to be polished after that.
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pmbrunelle
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JUN 03, 12:00 AM
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The rebuilt units are apparently not as robust as the original GM axles. I would keep the originals as spares, and pay the core charge, if applicable.
I don't know if this kind of damage can be repaired by spray welding at a local machine shop.
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theogre
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JUN 03, 12:30 AM
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Seals can leak in 3 ways...
1. rubber/axle leak because too old, seal damage or axle damage. New seals are easy to wreck install the axle etc.
2. rubber/axle leak because of trans problem like too loose final bearings for a stick car.
3. trans hole and outside seal metal leak. Likely damage done to remove the seal and install new one dry.
See my Cave, Axle------------------
Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)
The Ogre's Fiero Cave
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USMUCL
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JUN 03, 04:20 AM
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Ogre - got it. The trans is good - only 10k miles. They definitely used Permatex to compensate for any casing scratches. And I have to assume they didn't rip the gasket on axle install. I am confident this is a pitting issue from the car sitting so much.
PMBrunelle - in doing research and talking with members here, it would seem both the Cardone and Carquest axles are good. As with everything else, Duralast axles are crap in comparison.
WGPierce, see below. This is the instruction that comes with the ACDelco seal. It's "320 Grit Cloth." The shop doing the work also confirmed this to be a standard practice. Regardless, it will be irrelevant with a new axle.
 [This message has been edited by USMUCL (edited 06-03-2017).]
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