Swivel ball to axle housing seal - need to use sealant?

Aug 20, 2007
2,727
45
Nashville TN
On my 1992 RRC, I just replaced the swivel ball seal, inner oil seal, and joint seal for the swivel ball housing to the axle housing, but had trouble finding the refitting instructions in the Rave. Lo and behold, I just found it and it said to coat both sides of the joint washer (seal) with a sealant compound. I didn't do this and it's all back together.

my questions:
Do I need to take the swivel ball housins back off and add sealant or can I get away with it as is?
will it start leaking pretty quickly without a sealing compound?
What sealing compound should I use? I have black silicone RTV I used on the swivel seal, but that seams a bit thick for this use.

Thanks,
Michael
 
Aug 20, 2007
2,727
45
Nashville TN
It'll probably leak eventually, but relax until then. When it finally leaks, fix it.

That’s what I was hoping for. I’d rather wait to replace it again when I’ve been able to drive for a bit. Luckily it’s easy compared to the rest of the job and the washer is cheap.
 

WaltNYC

Well-known member
Mar 3, 2010
707
135
NYC
Given that it is impossible to get a proper socket on those bolts, check them in a week or two.
 

_ExpeditionMan

Well-known member
Dec 11, 2017
295
34
Texas
On my 1992 RRC, I just replaced the swivel ball seal, inner oil seal, and joint seal for the swivel ball housing to the axle housing, but had trouble finding the refitting instructions in the Rave. Lo and behold, I just found it and it said to coat both sides of the joint washer (seal) with a sealant compound. I didn't do this and it's all back together.

my questions:
Do I need to take the swivel ball housins back off and add sealant or can I get away with it as is?
will it start leaking pretty quickly without a sealing compound?
What sealing compound should I use? I have black silicone RTV I used on the swivel seal, but that seams a bit thick for this use.

Thanks,
Michael

About to do the same job. Where did the Rave say to apply the RTV? On the swivel ball seal itself or on the seal to the carrier inboard of the swivel? I assume gear oil permatex would work just fine.
 

Frobisher

Well-known member
Dec 27, 2012
200
68
Pennsylvania
I just did this job on the passenger side last weekend, and I didn't see anything about RTV. This was a helpful video from Britpart for how it all comes apart and goes together. I don't recall them using any sealant either.


The top and bottom bearings were entirely crushed and useless. I couldn't believe the thing even turned based on how knackered it was. It's never looked so clean under there now. On to the other side eventually...
 
Aug 20, 2007
2,727
45
Nashville TN
About to do the same job. Where did the Rave say to apply the RTV? On the swivel ball seal itself or on the seal to the carrier inboard of the swivel? I assume gear oil permatex would work just fine.

Maybe it’s not necessary but I put rtv around the edge of the swivel ball seal. I was going off a bearmach YouTube video and the rave. YouTube video had the rtv there while rave didn’t.

The two housings’ joint washer was also opposite: rave said use sealant and the video didn’t. I’ll just keep an eye on it. It should be a relatively benign leak if and when it starts the more think about it
 
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WaltNYC

Well-known member
Mar 3, 2010
707
135
NYC
I replaced one of mine with a used teflon coated unit. Eventually I'll get to the other side (not leaking so leave it alone, right?). I had significant pitting causing leaking. I recommend doing the whole job while you have it apart. Upper and lower pins/bearings/washers/cups and shims for pre-load.

Used units are in perfect condition. I purchased it from Paul Grant. classicroverparts@gmail.com