Gear Lubricant

[MuddFlapp]

Tomorrow I will be installing a new rear axle seal and bearings on the driver side as the seal was leaking. When I pulled the axle a small amount of oil dripped into the catch pan, (maybe a half cup). So if I decide to replace that small amount of oil do I need to add a small amount of positraction additive as well? Is it available already mixed?

Thanks

 

[Darkbloodmon]

No need for limited slip additive. Thread link.

Just top off after you're done and sealed.

On a side note, I've rebuilt both my rear hubs with bearings, races and seals recently and would recommend packing the bearings with grease for the installation. The bearings are lubed by oil slosh in the rear housing as you take turns. If you get out onto the road and drive straight you run the risk of burning up brand new bearings even with the correct oil fill level. The grease won't hurt anything or adversely affect the gear oil as they mix with heat. FWIW I've had no issues to date since doing mine.

Check and adjust your parking brake while you're in there, my seal leaks were so bad I would slide on steep inclines if I didn't leave it in gear. One of the drum brake shoes is adjustable only by removing the rotor. The access hole in the backing plate for the adjuster is in a inaccessible location, I forget which side.

 

[MuddFlapp]

Darkbloodmon, All good advice. Thank you. I have replaced my parking shoes before and will do so again today as one side is covered with oil and won't hold squat. Hence the reason I found the leak. Packing the bearings sounds like a plan.

Thanks again.

 

[Darkbloodmon]

Glad to help, Best of luck with the repairs. Let us know how it went.

 

[Ozymandias]

I didn't use grease, instead i slightly overfilled the axle and then jacked it up 10" on the opposite site. So the oil found it's way into the hub and filled it nicely.

No LS additive needed for Gen3.

 

[MuddFlapp]

All done. It's been a while since I have done bearings. This one went well, of course, the brake shoes are a pain in the arse. All in all, not bad for an old guy. (1949). As Willie said, "On The Road Again"!

Thanks for the input.