Rear Hub Oil Seal Failure

[Mabel]

Hi, I am looking for advice re my 1970 Saloon. The near side rear hub is leaking oil down the back plate and out over the wheel. The oil seal, O ring and paper gasket were replaced only 500 miles ago, but the leak is back as bad as before.
Has anyone got any ideas as to why this has happened again.
Thanks

Mike

[philthehill]

For oil to come out of the drain hole in the brake back plate oil has to be getting get past the oil seal.
If the seal was fitted the right way round it could be the following:-
The wheel bearing is worn.
The axle seal bearing surface is not smooth and is chewing the lip of the seal.
The outer rim of the oil seal is not sealing against the hub - common fault with metal shrouded seals.

[alanworland]

Is the breather clear in the diff case?

Alan

[jaekl]

Or the inner seal (hub to axle housing was assembled dry without lubricant and the seal is now damaged.

[Mabel]

Thanks for your thoughts. The breather is clear so I have ruled that out. The wheel bearing does not show signs of wear, and the seal kit was (purchased from ESM ) included a rubber sheathed seal, so I don't think there was an issue with it not sealing on the housing.
However I didn't check the surface of the shaft for a rough finish.
The seal was fitted with the indent facing the axle away from the hub as was the old one I replaced. Is this correct?

[philthehill]

The lip should be facing into the hub.
If the lip of the seal is facing towards the axle the seal will not seal and oil will flow past the lip.
The schematic is posted below.

[Mabel]

Thank you for your help. I have found the schematic previously posted with the seal drawn in. I will order a new kit and check all you have suggested when fitting.
Thanks again.
Mike

[philthehill]

Test piece:-
And success.
Many thanks to those who sorted out the problem as regards posting photos.

The seal lip rubs on the raised end of the axle tube (not the axle shaft) and which should be absolutely smooth. Any roughness will tear the lip of the seal. Clean the rubbing surface with a piece of wet and dry lubricated with WD40. Clean off all paste crud from the seal seat when finished.

[amgrave]

Hurrah, your picture posting worked Phil

[philthehill]

I am quite impressed and it was simple to do as well.