Rear axel seal

[BobS76]

79 MGB

I was changing out a rear wheel and, knowing that the brake fluid was low, decided to pull off the drum. OMG! It looked like a grease factory blew up. I have to believe that the black axel grease which coated everything is due to a blown axel seal. There was some clear liquid, I am guessing silicone brake fluid (the other problem).

[I know that there are some purists out there that speak poorly of DOT 5, but I have used it on this car since 1985 and been delighted with the results. That's my story and I am sticking to it]

So, can someone tell me what is involved in replacing the seal? The Hanes book did not seem to be very explicit. Do I need to replace anything else? The bearings have not indicated any sort of problem.

And yes, I did try to search this problem - seems someone must have asked this question before. My searches never do any good.

Bob

 

[Stewart]

If you needed to rebuild the rear brakes now is the time. Its a rear brake job and then you remove the rear plate from the axle and with a couple taps the seal housing should come loose remove that press out the old seal press in the new one and reasemble. Super easy once your at that point. Also with the back plate off the rear wheel cylinders are easier to change out.

 

[BobS76]

Stewart,
Thanks. Sounds easy enough. And if you saw what I saw, you wouldn't even question the need for the brake job.
Bob

 

[Stewart]

Nothing like the mess you get from a mix of brake fluid and gear oil. At least you caught it before it slung all over the wheels

 

[BobS76]

Thanks for the thought, but, no. I was changing out tires/wheels one at a time to repaint them.