Leaking rear hubs on BN4

[Maccers]

Ever since my car was rebuilt (12 years ago) it has suffered from frequently leaking rear hubs.

The hub castings were new at the rebuild and have done less than 30,000 since then, but no matter how hard I try, I cannot get the hubs to seal for a long period. They may seal for a few weeks, sometimes even a couple of months, but soner rather than later they begin to leak.

I have meticulously assembled the bearings in the hubs with the correct clearances and new bearings, new lip seals, new paper gaskets (even tried two at once!)but at frequent intervals, the oil finds it way onto the brake linings and gives problems. It seems to be more noticeable after long drives, but is also there after the winter period of no use in the garage.

I have tried under-filling the rear axle, putting a new type breather on there and even tried thicker oil, but still they defy me!

Does anyone else have this problem?

The turned part of the axle seems in good shape where the lip seal fits with little or no wear - but still they leak.

Any ideas anyone?

All suggestions welcome,

Thanks,

Maccers

 

[stever]

I don't have any good ideas for you, but I am wondering if perhaps you have a bent axle shaft that is over time causing the seal to flex too much? I don't even know if this makes real sense at all, so you Healeyophiles that know better, chime in! I had leaky rear hubs on my BJ8 but so far they are holding up fine since I put in new seals - perhaps 1,000 miles ago, if that.. Question, though: Are both hubs leaking, or just one?

 

[johnea]

Hi Maccers,
In my opinion there are two areas wich need further investigation: 1. when you fit a oil seal, make sure it's sealing lip is coated with grease so it doesn't get damaged on the first miles running on a dry hub.
2. Check if the flange/hub mating flanges are not scratched.
Good luck and a Happy New Year to you.
John

 

[Randy Forbes]

And last but not least: verify that the breather vent is not plugged.

Pressure built up on the longer drives could be forcing the oil past the seal.

 

[bighly]

Be sure your seals are installed with the correct side out. The spring side goes to the wet side, so the way it goes in seems backwards from all the other seals you have ever pressed in. If backwards it WILL leak. Do not ask how I know this. (grin)

 

[Maccers]

Thanks for the replies chaps.

Bighly, you may have a point here as I don't remember ever thinking that the seals are the wrong way round and they have always leaked even with new seals. - I hope this is the problem, I will report back when investigated.

Maccers

 

[HEALEYJAG]

I also recently had a wheel seal problem..they were new seals from the previous owner. (I had purchased the car half done).. The seals were not seated properly and the quality of the materials were questionable. They also tried to seal the half-shafts paper seals with silicone!


Pete