Leaky rear hub seal

[Sarastro]

Saw some oil on the garage floor near the rear wheel today--turns out it's differential oil, probably a bad seal on my 1960 bugeye. I can replace it, no problem, as soon as I buy a few more tools and of course a new seal. However, this puppy was just restored 1000 miles ago. Why would a new seal start to leak so soon? Any suggestions about what I should look for before I dig into it?

Thanks for your help--

 

[JPSmit]

It's British?!
Marking its territory... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/devilgrin.gif

 

[Baz]

I have 1 maybe 2 drips in a 24 hour period and don't worry about as long as it's kept topped up.
I guess if you have more than that then it could be a problem, but... it is natural for a couple to sneak out.

 

[fmichaels]

if it's the seal at the pumpkin and no gasket sealant was used, it would not be uncommon for a leak to develop. i used a little ultra blue on that seal to help for any possible warps or gaps where oil might seep. other than that, as john stated, it's british!

 

[kcbugeye1275]

There is a gasket that goes inside the axle. Was it cleaned up and replaced? Rear wheel, I also think about the rear slave, it has marked my floor.

 

[Sarastro]

Sorry, I could have been clearer. It's leaking at the wheel, and a fair amount--like, a #"x2" puddle overnight. Mainly, I'm afraid of it getting on the brakes--otherwise, I'd just keep it full and not worry. Fortunately, it hasn't so far, but I found it quickly. Since the car was meticulously restored, I assume the seal was replaced--but I'll find out for sure soon. (Like, when I find a wrench for that @#!*&%! 1 7/8" nut!) Mainly, I was wondering if there was anything I should know about this seal, beyond what's in the service manuals.

 

[jlaird]

There is an o ring and a gasket. Gasket is real thin, use a bit of sealer on it, both sides. Every thing must be real clean.

 

[fmichaels]

again i used a little ultra blue on that gasket as well

 

[Sarastro]

Well, got the thing apart today, and the problem is obvious: the axle flange gasket/o-ring combination is OK, but the inner oil seal is just barely touching the surface it is supposed to seal against. It's an interesting design, though; it's specifically made so that any leakage past the oil seal goes out through a hole in the brake backing plate, toward the inside of the car, so it stays off the brake shoes. Of course, once outside, the oil gets on the tire and is flung merrily all over the place. Quite a mess, but the brakes are OK.

Parts are on order, so it all should be back together soon. Thanks again for your comments and suggestions.

 

[jlaird]

Lovely, so nice when the problem and solution are obvious.

 

[PeterC]

Steve,
Another thing to look at is whether the vent in the differential housing is plugged, or painted/undercoated over. It is on the right side of the housing, at the top side about 2 o'clock looking from the rear. Unscrew it and clean it. Pressure will build up in the housing and actually pump oil out of the weakest spot, which it seems you've already identified.

Peter