>>Subject: Re: Transaxle stub axle seal
<<<<<<<I remembered you had asked about changing the  stub axle seal in the transaxle a few days ago.  I just changed those  seals today when I did the
clutch.

You'll need to get the stub axle  seal and a stub axle cap for each side. The cap is ruined when you remove  it.

So I just popped a hole in the middle of the stub axle cap with  a screwdriver.  Then I pried it out revealing a circlip  underneath.  There is also a spring washer underneath the circlip that  needs to go back in the same way it came out.  I removed the circlip and  used two small pry bars to remove the stub axle.  Bentley shows you need  a puller tool but it was easy to remove.

Then remove the two Phillips  screws on either side of the hole.  These hold on a plastic piece that  locks the differential adjusting ring in place.  Remove the plastic  piece and there is the seal.  Get the seal out of there (it was really  in there on mine) and tap in a new seal.

Reassemble the parts, making  sure that the plastic piece goes back in the exac same spot - do not turn  it.  When it came time to replace the circlip I used a socket slightly  bigger than the splined shaft and tapped it on the end.  This pressed  the circlip down into the groove on  the shaft.>>>>>>>>

>>This advice is perfect,  EXCEPT for one small detail.  There is an O-ring on the differential  adjusting ring that should be changed also while your there.  If this  O-ring is also leaking, and I've seen it so a few times, you will be sad to see  oil still dripping out after you went to all the trouble to change the  seal.  To remove the differential adjusting ring you will need the
special  tool or make one, which is what I did from flat piece of 1/4"metal plate and  ground the notches to fit then welded an old socket to the centre large enough  that it will fit over the shaft.  You must mark the position of this ring  BEFORE removing it.  If you do not get it back in the same position you will screw up the ring and pinion adjustment.  Just thought I'd throw this
out there to make the job more fun!

Frank Condelli<<

Okay, that does it.  I'm taking the tranny back out of Billy Bones.  I just can't imagine doing all of this work under the bus.  Thanks to all who have made suggestions for replacing the seal(s).  Dang, who would have thought it could be so much fun...

Warren Lail
88 Westy "Billy Bones"
87 GL