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MG MGA - Rear axle oil leaks

I have found more oil leaking after fitting a new oil seal on my wire wheel 1600. It is not from the hub side, as the drum, backing plate and linings are dry, but appears to be only from inside the hub.

Can it be that the welsh plug is not sealing at the end of the axle? Is this common? How do I fix it?

I need the car in top order for the visit of Steve Gyles later this year!

Barry
Barry Gannon

Barry, Check the surface the oil seal runs on because sometimes a slight groove is worn into the axle housing and the seal then leaks. The fix for this is to install a speedi sleeve over the groove.
I Hazeldine

Barry -
Certainly not unknown. You may be able to seal it by hitting it with a big flat punch. You can attempt to get it clean and oil free, then apply some sort of sealant, poor chance. Otherwise, you have to try to pull it out, not real easy. You need to punch or drill a hole and thread a self tapping screw into the plug. I can't remember how much space is behind it to give clearance for the screw,but the shaft should be center drilled - you need some, then have to figure how to pull on it, though tightening the screw may pop it. A body shop screw in dent puller is good for this (though not for bodywork!) Of you do get it out, degrease and use sealant on the new plug.
The old standard was to stuff a shop rag in the hub, good for a year or more before you change the rag.

FRM
FR Millmore

Barry,
My hubs are sealed with red silicone and seem to be okay (not sure if "red" is significant)
Mike
Mike Ellsmore

Does anyone know of an "idiot's guide" to the removal and replacement of the seals?

I have had a look at Barney's site , but would really like more info.

Was rather hoping to stumble across a youtube video of the entire procedure?
M THOMPSON

I am sure my problem is not with the oil seal, it appears to hold oil, but the inside of the hub has a spoonful of oil which seeps past the threads of the spinner and onto the spokes.

Thanks FRM, I will investigate removing the plug and attempt to reseal with Locktite (Mike that's probably what your red silicone is).

Could the axle be loose in the hub? Is this a possible cause?
Any advice welcomed.
Barry
Barry Gannon

Barry-
Axle is a very heavy press fit in the hub, but it is not oil tight - that's what the plug is for. Never heard of a loose shaft, and many people can't get them out to change hubs.

FRM
FR Millmore

Barry, T-types with wire wheels develop an oil leak in the area where the splines of the axle are pressed into the hub & also there is a grease nipple in there that leaks (not sure why it was there as the diff oil lubricates the bearing). The solution to the leak in these cases is to weld over the threaded nipple hole & weld the axle end to the hub. You could obtain a rubber sink plug of the same diameter as the inside of the splined hub and push it in to prevent the oil escaping onto the wheels & spokes.A quick cosmetic solution if the axle & hub are a firm fit.
I Hazeldine

I found that the plug is slightly dished so gave it a light hammering to expand it -- hopefully it will stop the leak. I also added a tight fitting, rubbery sink plug as IH suggested!

I will report progress. Thanks all for your input.

While the wheels were off I fitted new tyres as I discovered that the OLD XZX Michelins were 20years in service! How the time flies!
Barry
Barry Gannon

Barry
I had the same issue. Tried to seal it up without success, ended up buying a couple of new plugs from Brown and Gammons. The car's off the road at the moment so I don't know yet if it's worked.
Matthew
m s randell

This thread was discussed between 25/08/2011 and 28/08/2011

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