rear end leak

Daddy4Bob · 02-11-2003, 11:05 PM

I think I may have a problem.

I noticed today that there is some fluid leaking from around the left rear wheel hub.

I have never worked on the P30 axle. It looks as though I could take the little bolts out and maybe remove the axle to replace a gasket.

Anybody have any experience with this?

wb13798 · 02-12-2003, 07:19 AM

havent removed the axel but it is a seal that is leaking. i would be interested as to the remedy . lol
al

74Argosy24MH · 02-12-2003, 07:59 AM

Take the nuts off around the jack shaft, there are split cones beneath the nuts. When the nuts compress the cones they fit very tightly against the studs. Give the jack shaft a good solid rap in the center (careful of hitting the studs) with a good sized hammer, it will bounce it enough to loosen the cones. They might still be pretty tight, take a couple of small screwdrivers and pry them open and off. The jack shaft will then slide out. There is a thin gasket between the hub and jack shaft. The jack shaft will be full of gear lube, make sure it is very clean before reinstalling.

John

Daddy4Bob · 02-12-2003, 11:07 AM

Can this be done with the wheels on or do you have to remove them and support the MH on jack stands?

74Argosy24MH · 02-12-2003, 11:28 AM

The wheels stay on. If the cones aren't a lot of hassle it is a 15 minute job.

John

Daddy4Bob · 02-14-2003, 02:48 PM

OK. The rain let up enough to try this today.

I took the hub cover off by removing the 5 bolts and pulled it off. I don't see the need to take anything else off. The PO had used a home made cardboard gasket to try to stop the fluid form leaking. I bought a $2.25 gasket from the Chevy house and sealed it all back up with some blue silicone.

Our rear ends must be different.

Thanks for the advice anyway. Sometimes I just need a little encouragement.

ALANSD · 02-14-2003, 03:41 PM

cardboard huh?? and saved the p.o. 2 bucks also, now that is a deal. My po used velcro to fix everything.

thenewkid64 · 02-14-2003, 08:22 PM

Bob,

I had the same problem. At least the PO tried to use a gasket on yours. Mine was sealed with just blue RTV. There is no way to get a good seal on a flat plate like that without some gasket material. I bought a sheet of the gasket stuff and cut a new one. No more gear oil smell when I approach from the rear!

All of the little fixes add up and for me increase the joy of ownership ( Yes I am a very sick man, I don't know how my wife puts up with it )