I re-stacked my rear diff, and now my new oil seals are leaking (I damaged one, and pushed them in too deep ).
For the second time around my question is:
Do we need to grease the oil seals with general purpose grease before installing, or do we need to have both the housing, and seal super clean?

 

I haven't done mine in a while, but don't the seals only go in a certain amount before bottoming out? I can't remember. I don't remember putting any grease, etc on the outside of the seals to install... but if helps, that would be good to know.

 

They are a double lip seal, you should always put some grease in the groove in between the lips that the axle rides on.

 

Mine came pre-lubed....which I found by accident, my first time (let's just say I had to then add my own, after LOL). Doh.

 

you always grease so it slides easy without going crocked

 

Ok thanks guys, I will grease them again inside and outside.
Kaj they don't bottom out in the rear diff, you have to be careful not to push them in too much. You want them flush with the outside of the diff.

 

You only grease the inside, where the axle rides. Not where they touch the case.

 

These seals have a tensioning spring that on occasion will fall out as the seal is being tapped in. Also make sure there are no sharp edges on the part being inserted into the seal.

 

Seems like I am getting different opinions.
I know for sure to grease the axles because they spin in the seals.
But still not too sure if I should grease the outside of the seal that contacts the Diff housing.
I am leaning towards greasing the outside too, but I don't want it moving or not sealing tight because of the grease. But yes the grease will help with pressing the seal in.
Any other thoughts?

 

I usually coat the outside of the seal with a very thin coating of RTV - avoids seepage leaks. Most people probably insert them dry. The most important thing is to use something as a driver so that the seal goes in square.

 

No grease on the outside. Either put them in dry, or with a thing coating of rtv sealant.

 

Thanks guys,
I will put them with a very thin coat of rtv.
I will update this post in a couple of weeks to let everyone know if it worked.