[Cableguy]

I had a question sent to me I thought was worth everybody taking a stab at. Thanks Sean (Hookjr1199)

(1994,K2500,4x4, Sburban, 454/7.4 )

"Have what I hope is a quick question for you. I opened up my rear brake drum on my burb and to my surprise there was grease every where. Do you have any idea what i should start looking at as far as failure. Also do you know a web site that would give me a detailed breakdown of the parts involved? Any help you can offer would be greatly appriciated. Thanks"


I would think this is either leaking from wheel cylinders or Axle seals.
Anybody else....out there thinking the same thing.

www.gmpartsclub.com

Wheel cylinder, all, w/13 x 2.5 shoes - 91-00 - $33.70
Axle seals, all models - 9.50 - 9.50 - 91-00 - $8.20

 

[tbplus10]

96 4x4 2500 w/7.4 means this truck mor than likely has a full floater rear axle, which is prone to seal failures. The only mystery is why it hasnt failed before this.

 

[Cableguy]

Thats a 94 if it makes a difference Tim

 

[tbplus10]

Nope, 89 and up 2500 and 3500's used the full floater rear.
Earlier GM 3/4 and 1 ton trucks used a full floater also, but it was an optional axle for them and they didnt seem to have the seal problems the later ones suffer from.
I've replaced seals on both sides of my 97 2500 Suburban in the last year.

 

[Cableguy]

Thanks Tim, I'm going to be putting those seals in my 96 when I do the gears too. Obviously, since I'm in there yankin' stuff out :great:

 

[tbplus10]

You dont have a full floater in your 96 do you? I know it was an option for the "WT" series 1500's but I've never seen it in an SLE.

 

[Cableguy]

Your right its not, but I'll do them just the same

BTW, We've just managed to start a thread and then hi-jack it :rofl:

 

[Hookjr1199]

Hey Jamie, thanks for posting this for everyone's input. The last thing I expected to see when I removed the rear drum was all that grease. I have been unable to locate any illustrations of the assy. Due to the hours I am working at this time, the shops and libraries are all closed when I am off. If anyone knows where I can find one on the web, I would really appriciate it. It is a 1994 Suburban, four wheel drive with the 454. 8 bolt lug pattern. Thanks again for the help.

 

[justcuz]

When you took your tire and wheel off, what do you have? A flat drive flange with 8 studs or a big hub sticking out with 8 bolts that hold it on? Is the rear axle housing cover have the ring gear bump on the right or the left?

If you have a flat drive flange with 8 studs and the ring gear bump is on the left side of the rear cover, you have a semi-floater rear axle. This comes apart just like a half ton, pull the rear cover, remove the C clips from the end of the axles, pull the axles and replace the seals in the end of the axle tube. Check your axles carefully for wear to make sure the bearing surface is not worn and causing the seal leakage.

If you have the big hub with the ring gear bump on the right side of the rear cover, you have a full floater. Remove the 8 bolts that hold the axle in, pull the axle out, remove the hub nuts and pull the hub off. Turn the hub over and pull out the seal and replace it. You will probably have to buy/borrow/rent a rear hub socket if you have the full floater.

 

[GaryL]

Here is a diagram for the Dana Full Floater. PM me your email address and I can send the whole chapter if you need more information.

 

[Hookjr1199]

If you have the big hub with the ring gear bump on the right side of the rear cover, you have a full floater. Remove the 8 bolts that hold the axle in, pull the axle out, remove the hub nuts and pull the hub off. Turn the hub over and pull out the seal and replace it. You will probably have to buy/borrow/rent a rear hub socket if you have the full floater.

It looks as though this fits the description of what I have. I have not gone any farther than removing the drum for the simple fact that I like to know what to expect. I'm not big on suprises. Thanks for all your help.