Leaking front hub, DIY job?

MJMJ

Well-known Member
I have an '86 2550, MFWD that that the front hub started leaking a while back. Not much, so I've just been keeping fluid filled, but now I want to get it fixed. I have a service manual, but honestly it's got me questioning if this is something I can do at home. The manual goes though all steps of rebuilding every single piece in there, so it's far more involved than I need. I'm having trouble determining what steps I actually need and those I don't. Is this job as straight forward as I thought it was, or maybe something better left to the shop?
 
I would say take it to the shop there are special seal installers to do this . But if you have the time you can make tools that will work it does take some figuring and measurements before old ones are removed.
 
Well you have to take the outside planetary drive gears apart. Then check all the bearing in them and the main hub bearings. Plus the planetary gears have to be timed when going back together. 90% of the time you will need speedy sleeves on the hub as they usually are worn too much for new seals to work.

Also DO NOT put gear oil in the hubs. I know the OP and service books shows that. There was a service notice to switch to HYguard in the MFWD outer hubs. It actually made for fewer leaks. The reason being that out board hub is not vented. Gear oil expands more with heat then hydraulic oils does. Especially if you drive it at higher road speeds. I know sounds crazy but it worked.

P.S. check and see if it just mesh wrap around the hubs seal. I used to get several each year with it wrapped around there.
 
Thanks, you guys confirmed what I was thinking. Its just more than I want to get into with all the other projects I have. I’ll check for wrap/twine. Even if its not there now, I bet it was a contributing factor. That crap seems like it grows out of the ground.
 

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