Rear axle leak

[timjsparrow]

Hi

I have a continuous problem with the near side seal on my rear axle. I keep replacing the seals, bearing and gasket, but within a year oil starts to leak through again, fouling my break shoes. Could it be that the axle is worn where the seals sit, thus causing oil to pass by them over a period of time, or could it be another problem?

If it is the axle, is there a solution to this problem that doesn't involve getting a new (second-hand) axle? I am concerned that replacing with a second-hand axle casing, an expensive solution, may potentially leave me with the same problem. Are there other things I should be doing when I replace the seals?

[bmcecosse]

The seal can cut a groove in the casing over time. One solution is to place the seal slightly off position so it runs on a 'new' section of casing. There are also slip on sleeves which claim to solve this problem - sorry can't remember the name. But are you sure it's not a worn bearing - or simply an overfilled axle?

[timjsparrow]

I saw something in another thread about those seal track repair kits, they sound like a good solution. Do you know where I can get some from?
It won't be the bearings as they have been replaced with new ones each time.

[mikeysmorris]

Hi Tim, my dad tells me they are called speedy sleeve's but he not sure where you can get them sorry,
regards Mikey.

[timjsparrow]

Thanks Mikey. Now I have the name I can at least give them a search on the old interweb.

Regards

Tim

[Stig]

I managed to cure a leaking seal on my Sprite by filling the groove/pitting in the axle casing with chemical metal and rubbing down to get a smooth circular profile.

BTW, any leaking oil should get caught by the lip in the backplate and then come out the hole on the diff-side of the backplate - I'm guessing this hole is blocked, hence the oil on the brake shoes.

[bmcecosse]

Good point there stig - worth checking.

[katy]

Are you sure that the vent on the housing is not plugged?

[timjsparrow]

I shall check that also. This is all great advise, I'm learning a lot, thank you to all.

[xpress]

hi there, i have a little seep from the rear n/s oil seal too. is this easy to fix up? can anyone tell me where the vent is on the diff casing? and can i unblock it with some fuse wire or something of that nature? also the vent on the backplate, how can i get to this?

[katy]

Item #5 is the vent.[frame][/frame]

[katy]

Sorry, but I can't seem to get it to post the picture.