half shaft/hub gasket question?

[Chill59]

I've had my pick-up raised up quite high on the near-side side for a month or so whilst working underneath.
I've just noticed that diff oil has leaked out of the off-side hub.
Will I have to replace the half shaft/hub paper gasket now that it's wet with oil? or will it be oil tight again once the car is back on the level?
Cheers Chris

[philthehill]

Your problem may be the seal.
I would replace the gasket as a matter of course. If you have the later hub fitted they have a rubber 'O' ring as well so replace that also.
Lightly smear the gasket and 'O' ring with general purpose grease before fitting. This helps keep the gasket supple long term and aids the sealing of the 'O' ring.
Make sure that the drain hole in the rear of the brake back plate/axle tube is clear.

[Chill59]

Thanks. Is it easy to do this? Do you just remove the half shafts?

[philthehill]

To remove and refit the half-shafts to gain access to the hub gasket/'O' ring is a relatively easy job.
If you have to remove the hub to gain access to the oil seal it is a bit more difficult. Make sure that you have the right size spanner/socket and you undo the hub nut the right way. N/S hub nut is L/H thread. O/S hub nut is R/H thread.
There is plenty of info regarding changing the rear hub seal on here just use the search facility.
Good luck.
Phil

[Myrtles Man]

Here you go:-

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=74091&start=20

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

You are better off applying Wellseal to both sides of the paper gaskets.

[philthehill]

If you have to use a sealant to overcome a leaking hub gasket seal then there is something wrong. A light smear of grease is all that is required. BMC never used sealant on the hub gasket.

[oliver90owner]

If you have to use a sealant to overcome a leaking hub gasket seal then there is something wrong. A light smear of grease is all that is required. BMC never used sealant on the hub gasket.

Agree wholeheartedly. I’ve used gasket sealant where the gasket is re-used and needs to remain in place while parts are removed/refitted. Wellseal was my choice when re-assembling Honda engines which did not use any gasket between the crankcase halves, back in the last century. Hatz engines are similarly treated to sealant (no gasket) but they require a designated product which is more modern than wellseal (which has been around sixty years, or more).