Replacing rear axle seals
 

79 SA 12A bone stock unmodified and unmolested.
My right rear axle seal is leaking so I decided to go ahead and do it myself instead of paying a shop an arm and leg. I just got tired of having to clean all the dirt and grit of my wheel every week.

So I disassembled both rear wheels (I'm not just going to replace on side) down to the bare diff housing per the FSM, upon removing the wheel seal I found that he spring on the lip of the seal was twisted around the axle shaft and also there are some gouges on the housing where the seal sits. Oh and it looks like the PO had the bearings and seals replaced coz they're both a different color, probably the mech who did the job didn't know what he was doing, to have damaged the axle housing.

Need help on what materials to use or what's the best method to either file it down or use fine grit sandpaper to smooth it out, in order to place the seal back in without damaging it, any help would be greatly appreciated to get me rollin down the road again. Please see pics.



https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...ffafd4c25a.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...938f3f119e.jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...4046aaf083.jpg

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...8d0e171abb.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...444ebfeb5a.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...8b37a23d1b.jpg

I would use a dremel with a sanding barrel just to knock down those bumps. If that doesn't work try a dremel with a small cut off wheel and just grind them down.

Build Thread though?

Agree with above - Dremel with a sanding drum on it and go from there.

If you're really paranoid about it leaking again, put a thin smear of RTV around the outer edge of the seal (where it seals against the axle housing, not the axle obviously)- make sure you get RTV that can withstand oil

This should be in the general tech section. I'll move it :)

Thanks for the help, I used a rotary tool and sealed it with hylomar.


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...c0804203ed.jpg

Found this amazing sealer on eBay.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...2e41942446.jpg

Looks good good luck with the rear end. I think I have to do the front seal on my 3rd member. I noticed some slingage under the car by the rear ujoint. Not real sure if its the 3rd member seal or the u-joint slinging grease.