Axle Leak!?!?

[RedlineNSX]

for the past 2 months or so ive noticed that there is a constant deposit of black, really bad smelling oil-like stuff leaking from somewhere on the passenger side rear wheel. the majority of the stuff is found on the back of my drum break and inside the rim. I know its possible that it is a seal that is leaking but how can i know for sure. If it is a seal I would like to replace it myself (i have time, not money) does someone have detailed instructions on how to do this? Thanks!
btw- break fluid level seems normal.

 

[Matt Wahl]

Axle Seal

It is not a hard seal to replace. Jack up the rear of the car and remove the wheel on the side that is leaking. Remove the drum and brake components so the axle is accessible. Remove the 10 bolts on the rear end cover and collect the oil that drains out. Once inside the differential it may look complicated but really isn't. Turn the differential/ring gear assembly until you can see the pinion shaft lockbolt (don't remember the size) and remove it. It is a small headed bolt on the passenger side of the differential. Once it is removed you can slide the pinion shaft out. Next, push in on the axle you wish to remove and remove the c-clip that holds it in. With the c-clip removed you can slide the axle out. The seal is easy to remove with pliers, a screwdriver, or a seal installation/removal tool if you have one. With the old seal removed, coat a bit of vaseline on the new seal and press it back in carefully. Once the seal is replaced, reverse the previously mentioned steps to put it all back together. Coat the pinion shaft lock bolt with loc-tite before installing it so it will not come loose. You will probably need to buy 90 weight gear oil and a bottle of friction modifier since it has been leaking and will need to be filled to capacity. With the rearend put back together, just reinstall the brakes and put the wheel back on. Hope this helps out. Good luck.

Edit: If you can smell it, it is definitely gear oil.

 

[RedlineNSX]

Thank you! those instructions were far clearer than any i could find elsewhere. thanks

 

[battyice]

I would recommend that you replace the brake shoes if they were exposed to gear oil, or at least do a very good job cleaning them & the drum with brake cleaner. If you don't that brake will be very grabby.

 

[GATOR98GT]

Wow good directions this is going on my how to file for when/if it happens to me

 

[v8only]

fyi, I wouldn't use locktite on that little bolt. the problem with that little diff bolt is that it's too long, and too skinny. I've snapped off more than one inside the diff trying to get them out, and when that happens, your in for a world of hell trying to get it out. that bolt is very fragile.

If your axle seals are shot, then there is a real damn good chance your axle bearings are shot too. It would be silly to go in there and replace the seals without changine the bearings. In fact, what usually happens is that your wheel bearing wears, which causes wobble with the axle shaft, which ruins the seal.

rent a three pronged puller and a slide hammer from napa to get the job done, and PULL like your gonna pull the car off the jack stands, and the bearing should come out. Getting the new bearings in are simple, but getting the new seals in are a major bitch. I went through several of them. They are very easy to damage on install. Use the old axle seal and put it up on top of the new one, grab a very short section of 2x4 wood, place it against the old seal, which is against the new one, and tap it evenly into place using a hammer against the 2x4 (mallot preffered) This method will distribute the blows evenly across the seal so you don't damage it upon installation.

One other note, be prepared for bad axleshafts. If there are ANY grooves at all on the bearing surfaces, the axle shafts are shot. you have two choices:

1. i've heard of bearings that you can buy which will ride on a different part of the axle.

2. best bet, buy new axle shafts. Some people want to rape you for them. don't pay more than $25 each. any mustang 8.8 axle from a fox will work just fine, and you can also use ANY axle shaft from any 7.5 mustang too, axle shafts are the same