Posted by Steve Kanavas on January 08, 2000 at 11:49:45:
In Reply to: Need help rebuilding WDX rear axle posted by Jonas on January 07, 2000 at 21:40:23:
Don't cut the rivets!! To change the seals on the rear axle, you just remove the axle shafts and the hubs. The seal on the outside keeps gear lube from entering the bearings. The inner seal keeps the grease in, and dirt and water out.
To replace the differential carrier gasket, you will likely need to remove the right lower shock nut and pull the shock off to enable the carrier to be removed. Use a floor jack, as that carrier weighs about 70-80 pounds.
The pinion seal is often a bit*h to get out. If you have the new one, (about 4" in diameter), you might want to pluck the felt/rubber seal assembly from that holding plate, and replace it with a new type double lip seal. I used the OEM style 3/4" thick felt/rubber seal, and it leaked as bad as the old one did. Replacing it with a modern double lip, (it's only about 3/8" thick) seal has been leak free for 5 years. Check the yoke for a seal wear groove. If it's bad, build the wear area up with metal content epoxy, smooth it off, and put a Speedi Sleeve on it. About $30.
Others have welded up the groove and re machined the surface.
Steve