Rear Axle Seal Replacement

[N4Racing]

Hi, New to Legend Cars and the car I bought is leaking oil out of the left rear axle seal.

I have read a couple of posts about disassembling the rear axle but still want clarification on removing the axle shaft. 

Do you just pull out the axle so you can replace the bearings and seals, or do you need to remove the 3rd member first?

Thanks, Jeff

[slack11]

Nope, just pull the axle you want out and then replace the seal.   I would drain the rear end, or make sure the side that you are pulling the seal off of is higher than the other end, or you may end up with a mess.   

[N4Racing]

Thanks for the quick reply!

Jeff

[amp racing]

the seal is on the housing not behind the bearing//
joe

[Legends57x]

Make sure you inspect the main bearing on the axle also.   I had some two-piece axles in my car and found upon inspecting for leaking seal that main axle bearings were actually spinning on axle shaft and moving side to side.  Went back to one piece axles and never had that particular problem again.  Also, upon reassembly, it is a good idea to apply some silicon lubricant to axle seal surface that will extend the life of the seal.

Good luck! 

[N4Racing]

Thanks for all of the help everyone!

I spent about an hour tonight trying to get the axle out, with no luck.  I was using the brake drum like a slide hammer on the wheel studs.  From my measurements it never moved at all.

Any other ideas?

Jeff

[Legends57x]

Jeff,  I assume you removed the four axle flange retaining nuts???  These nuts are removed by rotating the axle to allow access  to each nut (using a 14mm socket) thru large hole in axle flange.  These fasteners  also locate the brake backing plate.  If you have removed these nuts, then only thing I can think of is your rear end housing is severely bent.

[N4Racing]

 , Wow, I have never worked with a solid axle before, can you tell?  So, that should help quite a bit.

I will keep you posted and thanks for putting up with me.

Jeff

[N4Racing]

Well, it came right out, once I removed the retaining plate.  Thanks.

There was no seal on the shaft, I guess that is why it is leaking oil.  The bearing doesn't feel very good either, so I need to get the bearing number.

Is there any trick to getting the bearing off the shaft?

Thanks, Jeff

[justfreaky]

, Wow, I have never worked with a solid axle before, can you tell?  So, that should help quite a bit.

I will keep you posted and thanks for putting up with me.

Jeff

Jeff,

It's not exactly a "solid" axle. I understand what you are saying though. The spider gears are either welded or spooled.
Glad you found your error and are able to move on with your rebuild.
Jim, Randy, Dennis and a few others should be able to help you with the parts.

Best Of Luck!

Steve

[slack11]

Remember like posted above, the seal is not on the shaft, it sits in the housing.  Look where the bearing would ride in the housing and you'll see the seal.   It just sits against the shaft and seals....  I've smashed a few fingers trying to put a new one in.....have fun....

[thunder938]

I made a tool, A large thick washer close to the size of the seal and then weld a section of tubing to it.  just tap it the new seal in square

[N4Racing]

Thanks again for the help.  Definitely no seal in the axle tube.  I am going to replace the bearing as well.

Jeff