Morris Minor Owners Club

Hello there .
I have fitted a new oil seal to my back axle . Now the half shaft will not go back in , it seems not to engage with the splines in the diff. Can I turn the propshaft to help it in or will that disturb something ? Also do I need a sealant on the paper gasket ?
Regards Phil

You do not need a sealand on the gasket. Gravity prevents the halfshaft going in centrally. To engage the halfshaft you have to lift it and (possibly) rotate it slightly. It is tricky because a slight movement at the hub end equates to a lot at the spile end. The last 1/2 movement can be stiff as it is engaging tight on the wheel studs.

As Pete says Phil patience and lift and turn is the key, if you place a mark in chalk etc on it you can see how much you are turning it, if you look how far apart the splines are and how much the end of the shaft turns between splines it will give you a good idea os how much movement is needed.