Replaced both halfshaft bearings (English axle) as both were leaking oil, passenger side being much worse.

Now passenger side is dry but driver's side is dripping, not a lot but it should be dry too.

I ground off collar and bearing, heated bearing in oil - say not more than 100 temp and smacked it down with a square tube drift. Collar heated on BBQ, maybe 400 C max then again smacked down - collar much easier to fit.

Now the bearing outer has a groove in which sits an o-ring- it is quite hard to get that past the back plate and presumably into the axle without it popping off so I suspect it has popped off on driver's side.

If not - and I'll find out tonight - any ideas?

Only other place oil can come is via the seal. I don't think the heating damaged the seal; once collar was on I cooled it down with water.

Could the seal have been damaged by the hammering? The square tube for sure presses on the outer race but I am not sure it presses on the inner but then wouldn't the inner race be pressed down via the ball bearings, leaving seal intact?

My new bearings did'nt have the `o` ring grove so just put a smear of thread sealer on them - so far no leaks

Pul the shaft out,
For peace of mind check the bearing is the correct way round.
Clean everything up, if "O2 ring damaged toss it in the bin.
Put a smear of Loctite Lock n Seal in the recess and round the outside of the bearing and refit.

Check the axle breather is clear and the axle isn't over filled --- nb axle should be level in both axis when checking.

[Edited on 4/8/08 by britishtrident]

[Edited on 4/8/08 by britishtrident]

It was the O-ring.

The bearings are the correct way round - I had trebble checked when fitting .... )and almost forgot to fit the flange.. )

Will make one more attempt with an O-ring.

Will clamp it with jubillee clip overnight to squeeze it down. If that fails, tnen it is sealant time.

.... well new o-ring fitted and clamped down with a jubillee clip for 2 hours - that seemed to make it easier to go in.

this time I spent a lot time checking with a torch to ensure the ring was going in properly.

will know in a day or two if the operation waqs successful, fingers crossed......

I did learn one thing; you cannot top up the diff via the half shaft tube - the point where is joins the diff housing is of smaller diameter so the oil will not flow into the housing hopefully I didn't lose that much oil.....