Morning from the rainy UK

I'm in the middle of redoing the rear end of my car (rebush, clean/paint etc) and diff's aren't really my strong point.
I've got the diff out and in my back garden, and have removed the driveshafts, but i've got a few questions:

Oil seals: The manual says to repalce them when you remove the driveshafts - is this neccessary? Or is it a case of 'for what it costs, you might as well, to save trouble in the future'?

Driveshaft c-clips:The manual says you need to replace these - is that necessary?

And lastly, because I'm an idiot, the diff has been in my garden with the driveshaft holes exposed, and it's been raining. Yup, I know, I'm an ***.
What's the best way to clean it out? I was thinking put it on it's side to drain it, refill when it's back on the car, then flush and refill after a few k? Is there a better way that doesn't invovle me wasting oil?!

Cheers in advance.
Si

 

Change the seals since you took time to take it out. They are el cheapo 3 of them!Side to side for the driveshaft and one in axle shaft.
Cclips for me if it aint broke don't touch this one check for looseness and for your oil just drain and make sure all is drain. Water does not mix well with oil.
Oh I need to change one of my seal driver side I can see oil buildup in the driveshaft a lot of work for just one little seal.

Lol I am complaining on this yet I have managed to clean and fix my oil pan leak now that is a biatch to work on without taking the engine out the car.

 

How much water got in there and for how long? I'd be nervous reusing it if there was a chance of pitting any of the bearings or bearing surfaces. But if you have to reuse it, get it inside somewhere. Drain it completely. Get a few cans of WD-40 and hose it down....really really well. And seals are too inexpensive and easily installed NOT to replace. That would be as dumb as....well you know.
---> https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/replacing-rear-axle-side-seals-517073/

 

would the pertolium oils damage anything?

 

It's been outside maybe a few weeks - I would have thought the coating of oil on the gears inside will protect it ok Or am i totally wrong?

Okeydoke, I'll do the two driveshaft seals (don't really want to mess around with the front one!) and Am now thinking that I'll crack the rear plate off and clean it out inside with a heap of Marine Clean, then give it a good flush with water and WD

 

Oil seals and c-clips are the least of your problems. Water will DESTROY what's inside your diff. Fortunately for you the rain came in after oil has coated everything inside. The water has probably settled to the bottom of everything.

I would remove the rear cover and set the diff in such a way that more oil and water do drain out.

The cost of a quart of diff oil is only $10. The cost of a broken diff is about 50x more. I suggest you do change the diff oil again in 3k just to help ensure all water gets out of the diff.

Dave

 

Cheers guys
Wasn't actually much water at all inside

I have now removed the back plate, and sluiced out the insides with degreaser, rinsed it extensively, and drenched it with wd40 to stop any more water having an effect.

There was no marking whatsoever from the water inside the diff - looks like the gloopy oil did it's job!

Was a daft thing to leave it outside, I know But admidst the stripping down of the rer end it slipped my mind
Cheers guys
Si

 

It's not that the water was damaging it now, it's more that the water will get churned and emulsified when you run the car and then the oil will make contact with the bearing and gear material.

Dave

 

Cool
Yup, that's why I stripped it and cleaned it all out, and it's now dried in a warm place, and has been given liberal helpings of water dispersant
Checked with a mate who works for Ricardo and he reckons it should be good to go. I'll stick it in the airing cupboard tomorrow to make sure