Truck Repair: rear wheel seals, bad groove, truck axles

Question
95 Chev 2500 , 1 ton suspension. 127,000 miles. gas 454, automatic tranny.

I lost my braking in Dec. found that the  REAR wheel seals were leaking very badly. Had them replaced and new brakes shoes installed.
Now less than 150 miles later it happened again.
The dealer replaced the seals.
Less than a 100 miles later they went out again.
3 times in about 250 miles.
What causes this to happen? Could it be the vent is plugged and the pressure is causing the seals to leak?
Is there a groove on the hub for the seal to sit in ?
Thanks
Gordon


Answer
Hi Gordon,
First...I assume you are sure it is gear oil, and not brake fluid.

Yes, the vent could be plugged.
Yes, there could be worn grooves, but usually a new seal will compensate for even a bad groove for longer than that.

I have seen axle tubes crack, and leak through the crack, but never on one of those truck axles, and for sure not both sides.

Still...have you had some massive load on that truck over a rough road?  i really doubt that possibility.

I assume the seals are being installed in the correct direction, lip in, and not being deformed when installed...I would think the dealer would get that right.

Van