John Deere H axle seal

[Otis Wolkins]

I am having no luck installing the left axle seal AH633R into the case and don't want to ruin another seal. I cleaned the case several times where the seal goes and used very fine emery cloth to ensure there is a smooth surface with no nicks or imperfections--it feels very smooth. The seal started OK but was very tight and I could not get it to go in as I was being careful not to destroy the seal--but it didn't work!! I used a 4x4 as some suggested but I still deformed the seal when it got totally in place. I have a new seal coming.
Should I heat the case around the opening where the seal goes to expand the opening? Or is there another to get the seal in place.

 

[Otis Wolkins]

I am having no luck installing the left axle seal AH633R into the case and don't want to ruin another seal. I cleaned the case several times where the seal goes and used very fine emery cloth to ensure there is a smooth surface with no nicks or imperfections--it feels very smooth. The seal started OK but was very tight and I could not get it to go in as I was being careful not to destroy the seal--but it didn't work!! I used a 4x4 as some suggested but I still deformed the seal when it got totally in place. I have a new seal coming.
Should I heat the case around the opening where the seal goes to expand the opening? Or is there another to get the seal in place.

I forgot to say it is a 1941 John Deere H!!

 

[Mike(NEOhio)]

The trick is to start it square and keep it that way. If you have both sides off you can use a disk and washers on a piece of threaded rod and nut to pull it in. Might not hurt to put the axle on and try it anyway. The oil level is way below that seal and even though it's deformed the lip may still contact OK. Not too hard to get those off.

 

[Otis Wolkins]

Mike--thanks for your reply. What do you use to seat the seal in the case?

 

[greenmech]

They make seal drivers. Maybe you could rent them. Ron MN

 

[matthies]

Put a little permatex or silicone on the outer part of the seal. It helps with installation and seal any imperfections in the housing. Buddy told me this 30 years ago, then watched his coworker fight a seal for a while. Buddy told him what I just told you and he laughed but did it and the seal went right in.

 

[Mike(NEOhio)]

Mike--thanks for your reply. What do you use to seat the seal in the case?

Best to use a driver that is the full diameter of the seal so it presses at the outer edge. Pipe, socket, large washers, whatever fits. But I've also just used a drift punch and work around the OD veeeerrrryyy carefully, light taps. Differential pinion seal on my Oliver I used a piece of 3 inch PVC.

 

[Otis Wolkins]

Thanks to all for the replies