Tom! Need some help with an old part on my rail. The previous owner decided to replace the old rear bearing cap with a "new" one. They are NOT the same design, and the unit I have leaks gear oil EVERYWHERE! So, I bought an old one from my local VW guys, needless to day, after what looks like about 30 years sitting, it is not in the best shape. the diagram below will give you an idea of the set up. Parts I'm currenly concerned with are 12, 13, and 14. The oil deflector acts as a last line of defense it sits loose in the cavity at the end of the cap held in by the seal which is behind it. The oil seal presses into the cap from the rear. Normal process is to take a punch and using the oil deflector as a base you tap the seal out the back side. You can't get a direct shot on the edge of the seal due to the lip that holds the deflector in place. There is a good bit of corrosion/solidified crap up in the lip area where the deflector goes, but the back side (exit for the seal) is in pretty good shape. I've soaked the whole think in penetrating solvent for a week, but the seal (which is metal covered in a rubbery plastic) will not budge. Suggestions for getting this thing out?? Here are some low quality photos:
Here is a trick I used a long time ago when I had something stuck without a good way to use a press: You will need a torch (propane) and a can of Freon. Take advantage of metal expansion characteristics where heat will expand the metal and cold will retract. Use the torch to heat the outer cap. Once it is very hot, hit the seal with a shot of Freon. Sometimes this alone will cause the seal to drop out of the cap.
I like it! I had thought of heating the cap with a torch, but didn't have a good idea how to cool the seal. Freon! Genius! Thanks bud!
Well... heat and a bigger hammer got the old seal out. It has pretty much corroded into the sides of the cap. I've cleaned it up and there's a good bit of pitting at the inside and outside edges, but the center is fairly clean. Might as well try it, what have I got to lose other than a little time?
I do not see an issue with this. The cap serves two purposes: 1) Hold the axle bearing in place and 2) Seal against the outer edge of the axle seal. For #1, the metal integrity does not appear compromised For #2, there is a smooth surface all the way around (what I can see anyway) the inner circumference. To be sure, you might use some high temp silicone sealer on that inner circumference before you seat the seal in place to take up any unforeseen gaps. Also, understand that there is a right and a wrong orientation to the seal. Most axle seals have what looks like a spring around the sealing surface. Make sure that spring is oriented to the wet side.