axle tube seals, are they useful?

[dvm]

I'm upgrading my front axle shafts and U joints to chromoly shafts & U joints and I bought a set of Superior Axle Tube seals just cause they were on sale at 4x4groupbuy.com , and my plastic stock "guards" are gone anyway. Then I wondered if a seal is any more useful than just the plastic stock guard that basically keeps stones out of the axle shaft. Is it just another bearing to wear out?

Anyone have advice on the usefulness of axle tube seals?

[johnsxj]

There's no bearing, just two large seals that get packed with grease in between.
I've been running a set for several years and think that they do help keep crud out of the tubes better than the little plastic shields the factory use.
After you've pulled the shafts but before installing the seals, rake out any crud that may be in the tubes. A length of all thread, two nuts and a fender washer work good for this.

[Frank]

On a Cj There is no room for the outside seals. I have to hope that the inner seal will keep the water and junk out of the center section. I would put those in , in a heartbeat if I were you. FjR68

[DDewar53]

Same good news/bad news theories on those as on shock boots -
The good - they help keep bad stuff out
The bad - they help keep bad stuff in
6 of one, 1/2 dozen of the other

[nostaw]

I have them and didn't think they lasted particularly well... The outer seal ripped out of one of mine right away...

JW

[jquader]

I'll try anything that'll keep Lou from yelling at me for getting mud in them...

[DDewar53]

I'll try anything that'll keep Lou from yelling at me for getting mud in them...

[Captian Carnage]

They help to keep water out they will help to prolong your bearing life Keeping all the mud + dirt out I clean out My front axle tube a few times a year when I had stock shafts Most times after I broke a shaft Now with alloys and not being a DD idont check the tubes for mud + dirt My jeep sits 5 days a week 2000 miles since August of 09

[dvm]

Tube Seals installed, along with alloy shafts and ORO U-turn steering system. There was a little grinding involved to get the tube seals in the axle shaft (a bit rusted). The shaft insides were cleaned out really well before installation. The ORO steering system is like a night & day steering improvement over stock steering with a 4.5" lift. I can turn my wheels all the way again without the axle knuckles banging.