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MG MGB Technical - Oil seal on tube type axle

I'm replacing the oil seals on my late 67 tube type axle and have a question about the installation. The new oil seal fits into the bearing cap which is then bolted to the axle. The bearing cap is a machined surface and so is the surface of the rear axle. When I removed the bearing cap there was no gasket or sealant between the bearing cap and the axle. I don't see how it seals without any sealant. Should I put a sealant like hylomar on the bearing cap before installing it?

Thanks

Andy

67 MGB late model with tube type axle
Andrew Preston

Yes Just a light smear will ensure oil tight joint.

Jim
jim soutar

Jim thanks for your response. I agree with you that a small smear should do the trick; so I used Hylomar which I like. I can't see how it would seal otherwise but had done for all these years.

Thanks Andy
Andrew Preston

Doesn't seem to need it, the bearing outer is pressed into the cap for a short depth as well as to a greater depth into the tube and that provides the seal.

Personally I would use a non-setting such as Hermetite Red, I hate the silicone-type. Only a very thin smear of whatever should be used, not the great gobbets I have seen in various places in the past which will quite possibly get where it shouldn't. The trouble with thin smears of silicone is that it skins or dries almost immediately and forms a thicker layer than non-setting. If that gradually compresses and squeezes out over time the bearing cap and back-plate can loosen.
PaulH Solihull

Hylomar is NOT silicone. Originally made for Rolls Royce so it should be good enough for an MG
jim soutar

They do make silicone: http://www.hylomar.com/
PaulH Solihull

I'm using the non-setting Hylomar Advanced Formulation which I love and use on most gaskets as a dressing. It works great.

Andy
Andrew Preston

I personally think you are using the best in the world. Silicon should never be allowed near a car. It"s not much good for baths either.
jim soutar

This thread was discussed between 29/07/2011 and 01/08/2011

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