VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 rear axle seals

Gentlemen,
I have a leaking seal on the rear axle {pass side} on my 30 coupe and am about to tackle the repair. Before I start does anyone have any tips, hints or suggestions on parts or procedures, especially on the inner seal replacement. Should I even replace the inner seal?
All assistance would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Trimmy

Do a Google search.

Just replaced the inner and outer rear seals for my '31, was nervous about starting something I had not done before.

I used neoprene seals from filling station. Pretty simple process (some of it is covered in repair manual, some with instructions from FS). Remove axle nut/washer and then rear wheel drum with a puller (careful to remove key as well). Then remove outer seal/bearing retainer bolts (about 10 I recall)and outer seal. Replace hub back on axle loose and place axle nut on 3 or 4 turns. Use drum as an impact puller, a few impact tugs should get axle assembly coming out. Once free of housing, remove hub and take axle all the way out. Then pry out inner seal or use a small puller to get it out. Reverse procedure, being careful not to damage inner seal when replacing axle. Fill space between inner seal and bearing with good wheel bearing grease. When axle splines are engaged in differential, tap bearing case carefully to seat it in original position. Add more grease to fill gap between bearing and outside seal and replace outer seal, retainer plate and bolts (careful not to over torque, they are only 5/16"). Carefully replace key and hub, putting some anti-seize on axle shaft. Axle nut and washer completes the job when torqued up tight and backed off to allow cotter pin. "Bob's your uncle"

If you install double sealed axle bearings you won't need inner axle seals.

Thanks Gunsmoke, your explaination was excellent, exactly what I was after. I was wondering if the felt seals were not to be used!
Junkyard, I didn't think of changing the bearings because I don't have a press or know of any around so I'll just go with new seals this time.
Thanks again
Trimmy

I replaced my axle bearings without a press.

I also used the sealed bearings and didn't need a press. I did the work about 7-8 years ago. It's not a difficult job.

Thanks everyone,
I read in the manual I had to press the bearings on.
I didn't know it could be done without a press.
But I got it all finished today and everything went great.
I'll put it on the road again tomorrow.

Just a thought, it might be a good idea to double check the seals after a few hundred miles.