How far to press in Dana 30 inner seals?

Vtx531 · 2026-01-20T11:32:00-0700

How far are these seals supposed to be press in? Are they supposed to be flush? For some reason I thought there is supposed to be a shoulder but I kept pressing and it just seems to go further and further in and now looking at the other side, I don't see a shoulder.

I put anaerobic gasket maker on the metal-metal part so it is probably setting up pretty quick. Not sure if I need to try and punch it out and start over.

Is this pressed in too deep? The red stuff is excess sealer but I didn't wipe it off yet.

tworley · 2026-01-20T12:17:36-0700

There is a inner lip in the tube, but you'll have to use a digital caliper accurate to 0.0001", and measure the axial distance from the differential carrier bearing race to the theoretical seal landing shoulder within the tube. Then insert a mopar alignment rod, and using UHMW plastic rails, and a string-and-pulley suspension system, float the alignment rod into position without gravitational deflection. Position the seal at the axle tube entrance, and using a CNC-machined seal driver (±0.0005" tolerance), tap the alignment rod gently until an audible change in tone indicates the seal has made contact with the internal landing lip. For confirmation, deploy a borescope down the axle tube.

hear · 2026-01-20T12:18:32-0700

tworley said:
There is a inner lip in the tube, but you'll have to use a digital caliper accurate to 0.0001", and measure the axial distance from the differential carrier bearing race to the theoretical seal landing shoulder. Then insert a mopar alignment rod, and using UHMW plastic rails, and a string-and-pulley suspension system, float the alignment rod into position without gravitational deflection. Position the seal at the tube entrance. Using a CNC-machined seal driver (±0.0005" tolerance), tap the alignment rod gently until an audible change in tone indicates the seal has made contact with the internal landing lip. For confirmation, deploy a borescope down the axle tube.

Can confirm.

Vtx531 · 2026-01-20T13:46:56-0700

Joking aside, I need to keep pressing it in further until it bottoms out?

Vtx531 · 2026-01-20T19:04:54-0700

I found this pic I took earlier. That looks like the shoulder in there past the rusted area. I don't remember if these seals have ever been replaced but if they were- maybe the old seals were't pushed in all the way by whoever did the job last time. Wish I would have taken a pic of the old seals before I punched them out.

If I press the seals in deeper than last time, the seals will be riding on the exposed rusty/pitted/corroded part of the axle shaft and LEAK.

Is it possible the factory tool doesn't set the seals in all the way to the shoulder either? That would explain why I read a lot people are getting leaks shortly after completing this job.

jjvw · 2026-01-20T19:39:35-0700

tworley said:
There is a inner lip in the tube, but you'll have to use a digital caliper accurate to 0.0001", and measure the axial distance from the differential carrier bearing race to the theoretical seal landing shoulder within the tube. Then insert a mopar alignment rod, and using UHMW plastic rails, and a string-and-pulley suspension system, float the alignment rod into position without gravitational deflection. Position the seal at the axle tube entrance, and using a CNC-machined seal driver (±0.0005" tolerance), tap the alignment rod gently until an audible change in tone indicates the seal has made contact with the internal landing lip. For confirmation, deploy a borescope down the axle tube.

This reply makes me feel reckless and dirty.

MichaelGH · 2026-01-20T20:00:06-0700

Don’t press them in any further.
The point at which the clean bore and the wet/rusty area meets is where the back of the old seal was sitting.
It looks like you are at least to that point, with the new seal, if not a bit further.
You definitely want the new seal contacting the clean area on the axle shaft.
I’d say you are most likely right there.

Maybe smear with a bit of grease on the clean area of the axle, insert it in, pull it back out and see if it shows a line where the seal will ride on it.
I know it’s a bit of a headache sometimes getting the hub/axle in and out multiple times, but peace of mind…

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How far to press in Dana 30 inner seals?

Vtx531

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tworley

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hear

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Vtx531

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MichaelGH

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