front end 04 f-250

[jmartinez]

ok i found a vac leak on the front end where the 4 bolts hold disc on by the ujoint is because the seal isnt pushed on all the way or a bad seal i changed the ball joints a while back and when i pulled the hub apart where the holes are for the vacume there are where marks like the two pieces are rubbing please help or should i beat the seal on more can anyone help me find a diagram for this thanks for helping

[m-chan68]

When reinstalling the PVH seals, the proper method for reinstallation is to use the special seal driver tool to reinstall, failing which you experience the exact symptom you describe in your post. This is also the very reason why I ALWAYS check 4x4 operation whenever I replace ball joints on these trucks.

[jmartinez]

sould i pull it all apart or can i just get a seal driver and hit it on more so the problem is because the seal isnt on all the way thanks for replying so quick or do i need a new seal can i get the tool at autozone or checker

[m-chan68]

If the metal portion of the seal is bent in any way, you'll need to replace the seal. The tool numbers for the seal driver are as follows: 205-199 (T83T-3132-A1) for the driver handle, and 205-429 for the actual seal driver itself. Those numbers are the Ford/OTC tool numbers. You can probably order them through MOTORCRAFT® PARTS FOR FORD, LINCOLN OR MERCURY VEHICLES but the cost will probably make it more worthwhile for you to "borrow" one if you can.

[jmartinez]

its not bent but a little wore in the middle not to bad do i need to pull the shaft out or can i beat it on with the tool

[m-chan68]

You remove the hub lock, and the hub & bearing assembly. You tap the driver handle and driver onto the seal OVER the shaft during installation.

[jmartinez]

so i dont need to knock the ball joints loose and pull the shaft just tap it on do i need to wedge a bar behind the ujoint to keep it from moving

[m-chan68]

The driver handle is hollow. It goes OVER the shaft with the seal driver. If you look at what the tool looks like, its purpose will become immediately self-evident.

[jmartinez]

i get that thanks but do i need to pull the shaftout of the front end or just hit it while it is still in there just looking for specifics so i dont screw it up again does the shaft need to be tight against the back after im done thanks for all your replies

[m-chan68]

Set your front axle in the "straight" position. The seal driver itself, is STEPPED for the purpose of seating the seal assembly in the EXACT proper orientation into the steering knuckle as you hammer it until it "bottoms out". The shaft position doesn't matter, until after you've reinstalled the hub & bearing assembly. At this point, is when you pry on the back side of the u-joint on the shaft, tight against the back side of the hub for the purpose of enabling reinstallation of the spacers and snap ring onto the groove of the outboard side of the shaft. The final step being the reinstallation of the wheel hublock assembly.