Rear hub seals needed??

[oddbod]

Well, as I have had acup of tea and surveyed the piles of removed parts,oil soaked brake shoes,been told its my turn to make a meal,been asked to drive several offspring to various events/jobs etc,got sick of waiting for a parts delivery,and putting out the washing while trying not to contaminate it with stinky diff oil, I decided to survey the job(s) in hand. On checking the rear of my brake backplate,on the back axle, I have discovered oil there too Does this mean stripping the axle further and replacing the oil seal? I'm hoping not as every job at the minute seems to lead to a further complication, and the "just remove the hub bearing" instructions leaves me thinking hammering off the bearing is the most likely out come,which considering all the oil spread by leakage would seem a trifle unfair!!! Anyway,how much stick can I give the "locking tab" on the hub nut washer to knock it back?

[Declan_Burns]

Oddbod,
If you want to remove the hub you need to knock back the locking tabs and remove the large nuts. The hub on the drivers side has a right hand thread and on the passenger side a left hand thread. You may then need a puller to remove the hub complete with bearing-avoid the use of hammers! You have to remove the bearing from each hub to replace the lip seals. Drift the bearing from each hub out with a large socket in the bench vice if you don't have access to a hydraulic press. If you decide to replace the bearings buy good ones. I had that problem three weeks ago-the bearings sold by some of the major suppliers are only fit for the bin. I did report it to them and of course got no reply. They didn't seem very "motifated".
Regards
Declan

[oddbod]

Bench Vice Declan??? I wish. I got the hub off by slipping a bar between the hub and back plate,levering and turning as I went ( let me guess, I've probably damaged the backplate?) I assume the bearing will come out towards me ( looking at it as if it were still on the hub) I am dim,but I can hit things hard, its just knowing when to and when not!!

[oddbod]

Declan, if I do need new bearings can I just go to any supplier,or are bearings for an axle specialised? There are a few bearing manufacturers near where I live. What markings,measurements and spec do I need to ask for?

[oddbod]

OK everything has gone well so far, I used a Stunt Peg off a sons BMX to "Drift Out" the bearing, I was going to put the hub on the floor and drift,but I remembered what happens when you strike a thread ,but only just in time!it seems to be going well so far,well its all in bits,but you know ! While its in bits which bits/surfaces should I clean up/sandpaper? I just tried refitting the Halfshaft into the Diff,just to do something gentle for a couple of minutes, is there a knack to getting the splines to match up inside the Diff,'cos mine doesnt seem to want too,but itcame out very smoothly.Am I missing a trick?

[Declan_Burns]

Oddbod,
Read this:
http://www.mmoc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f= ... ng#p422021
It's a metric bearing and the number stamped on the bearing is 6207C not a 6207C3E s I was supplied with. I would recommend SKF, FAG or INA all known for good quality. There are of course others.There is a hint at the end of my last post where not to buy it!
Regards
Declan

[bmcecosse]

The half shaft inner (splined) end has to be lifted up to slot into the diff output sockets. Did you note which way round the seal was fitted before you removed it?

[oddbod]

Well...... ermmmm, I THINK I did. I reckon the stiff band type thingy is away from the oil ( so I could "see" it behind the bearing) as that would mean a closed face was presented to the oil. If thats right I feel as if a light has gone on,if not I won't feel any dimmer!

[bmcecosse]

That's as I believe it should be fitted. Have you stripped out both hubs? Or can you inspect the other one?

[oddbod]

I Could inspect the other one,because it is going to have to come off, I just have a problem refilling my diff. The drain plug came out easily,but I think the filler plug has been crossed so I am going to rebuild the one side as far as the hub,leaving off the shoes, put the wheel back on,strip the other side and fill the diff from there. My son ( who is being surprisingly inventive) said if diff oil comes out that way, it can go in that way. I was about to hit the filler plug with a cold chisel when he suggested it. I looked on here,and other people have done it,so I reckon a pound shop plastic jug & 0.85l EP.90 oil wait for gravity and have a large container under the wheel thats on the floor. What could possibly go wrong?

[oddbod]

The half shaft inner (splined) end has to be lifted up to slot into the diff output sockets. Did you note which way round the seal was fitted before you removed it?

I think I understand,do you mean I have to "fish around" with the end of the half shaft when I feel resistance as its inserted,then turned to mate up the splines on the diff,then it will push home smoothly,or will it need a 2lb persuader?

[bmcecosse]

NO hammer action! Yes - lift and fish.......

[Declan_Burns]

NO hammer action! Yes - lift and fish.......

Or tilt and wriggle!-just no hammers!!
Declan

[oddbod]

I will make it my meditative task for tomorrow. I find inner calm if I have to go "fishing". Any thoughts on polishing the stub where the bearing sits ( Simple step by step ideas) as I feel that could be another task I could do when I need a moments calm!

[bmcecosse]

Don't 'polish' anything........

[oddbod]

Its just that where the bearing sits there has been a build up of "stuff" on the stub.Could I try & remove it with Panel Wipe? Also I know I need to clean out the Bearing ( Panel wipe,Petrol or just a Dry Rag?) and repack with grease,what else should I grease? The Seal or maybe the axle to aid the bearing and Hub back on?

[bmcecosse]

A good wipe down with anything you fancy really - and yes a wipe over with grease will do no harm.

[oddbod]

OOPS,drifting in the new seal,which has a weedy little spring around it,the spring has bust. How can I tell by looking if the old seal has gone,because I need to do as much as I can today and am hoping I can reuse the old seal

[bmcecosse]

The old seal will be useless - but i suppose you could use the spring from the old seal - in the new one.

[oddbod]

Cheers BMC,I 'll try it and see!