axle repair bearings

6 months ago I replaced the axle bearings and seals on my van. 1992 G30 with the 9.5" rear. The bearings had been getting noisy but the seals were fine. That job went fine. The axle shafts had no grooves worn on them.

This past weekend I pulled the rear drums to check the brakes for inspection and found gear oil on both sides. It had been burning off at the shoes and nothing was leaking out of the drum.

Unfortunately I did not save the old seals for the part number. I've also checked two catalogs of Speedi Sleeves but neither list a sleeve for my axle diameter. Rather than trying different brands of seals or machining the axles, I am leaning towards the repair bearings. I've seen multiple mentions on here about how the bearing is offset to ride on a different spot on the axle. My question is, what about the built in seal? Is it too riding on a fresh spot on the axle? The guys at the auto store have no clue.

6 months ago I replaced the axle bearings and seals on my van. 1992 G30 with the 9.5" rear. The bearings had been getting noisy but the seals were fine. That job went fine. The axle shafts had no grooves worn on them.

This past weekend I pulled the rear drums to check the brakes for inspection and found gear oil on both sides. It had been burning off at the shoes and nothing was leaking out of the drum.

Unfortunately I did not save the old seals for the part number. I've also checked two catalogs of Speedi Sleeves but neither list a sleeve for my axle diameter. Rather than trying different brands of seals or machining the axles, I am leaning towards the repair bearings. I've seen multiple mentions on here about how the bearing is offset to ride on a different spot on the axle. My question is, what about the built in seal? Is it too riding on a fresh spot on the axle? The guys at the auto store have no clue.
I think the axel saver bearing has the seal built in it.
But.
If your axels are real bad it may be best to go with new axels.

6 months ago I replaced the axle bearings and seals on my van. 1992 G30 with the 9.5" rear. The bearings had been getting noisy but the seals were fine. That job went fine. The axle shafts had no grooves worn on them.

This past weekend I pulled the rear drums to check the brakes for inspection and found gear oil on both sides. It had been burning off at the shoes and nothing was leaking out of the drum.

Unfortunately I did not save the old seals for the part number. I've also checked two catalogs of Speedi Sleeves but neither list a sleeve for my axle diameter. Rather than trying different brands of seals or machining the axles, I am leaning towards the repair bearings. I've seen multiple mentions on here about how the bearing is offset to ride on a different spot on the axle. My question is, what about the built in seal? Is it too riding on a fresh spot on the axle? The guys at the auto store have no clue.

so you replaced the bearings a while back and you also replaced the seals , now the bearings are good but , both sides are leaking gear oil on the brake shoes.

I would get new OEM gm seals. many aftermarket seals is no good china crap. since both sides are leaking , and you had no issue before , just replace the seals. parts should not be a problem . check with the dealer.

sometimes if the axle has a wear groove using the off set type seal is good idea ..with no groove you should not have this problem if the bearings are working ....

I have used very fine polishing sanding cloth to smooth out any slight scatches on the axle surface.

I have used this method on ac compressor shafts with carbon seals ...also 95% of the time the freon never leaked out with this being done..

the only other thing would be to be sure the rear diff vent is venting. this when heated up will cause leaks if the vent is gooped up...