[Healeys] Rear Axle issues

[Bob Spidell]

This (replacing the seal) isn't a bad job.  Disconnect the driveshaft (duh).  The big nut on the yoke may be difficult 
to remove if it's still torqued well (you'll likely be under the car with a big breaker bar so be careful). Your e-brake 
should hold the axles so you can undo the nut.  The yoke is on a splined shaft so it it's not rusted on should come off 
with a little plastic hammer persuasion.  You'll have to dig the old seal out with a worm or pick or similar (don't 
scatch the surface of the seal seat)

Grease the lip of the new seal and tap it in evenly with a drift (a little silicone on the outside of the seal can't 
hurt). Install the seal so the outer edge is even with the inside edge of the bevel on the inside of the end of the 
third member (this way, it rides on the proper machined surface of the yoke).  IIRC the big nut needs to be torqued to 
140ft-lbs.


Bob


On 9/30/2012 3:54 PM, Steve B. Gerow wrote:
> The seal at the nose of my rear axle where the driveshaft enters is starting to leak. I detect no play in the bearing by attempting to move the rear u-joint.
>
> Is it likely the front bearing is bad, or can I probably get away with replacing the seal.
>
> Is there an additive which can swell the seal slightly?
>
> How difficult is it to get the flange off the pinion shaft?
>
> Would be grateful for any experience-based help.
>


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Bob Spidell           San Jose, CA            bspidell at comcast.net

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