I replaced my CV joints about 2 weeks ago. After this, I saw leaking from the passenger side CV seal.
I popped the CV to see that I'd popped out the seal spring. So, I took out the old seal and replaced it.
I'm now on my third new seal and I'm still getting leaking.
I did not gouge the bore of the diff where the seal sits. It's pristine. I even took a cloth wheel on my dremel and brake cleaner on a q-tip to clean it before placing the last seal (a seal I coeated with RTV before installing - just in case).
My question: I lubed the axle before placing in the bore. This is the way I've always seen it done (to make sure the axle slides in and doesn't nick the seal). Will this cause leaking? In other words, must the seal/axle surface be dry in order to form a proper seal?
I've checked everything I can think of:
1) the axle itself looks perfect - I don't have a mic at home or I would make sure the diameter is fine
2) the diff housing is not at all gouged
3) I installed the seal with a proper tool (a mag light with the lens removed - the diam was perfect to press in the seal)
4) the seal is a moog seal, and looked perfect (no molding defects or whatever)
I'm down to either the lubed axle seal (non dry) permits seeping or the new CV has the wrong OD. Since it fits perfectly in the bearing, I don't imagine that's the issue.
What else could I be missing?????
