C2 Tailshaft Housing/Extension Seal

[John L.]

Looking for some help/advice.

I am working on a M21 for a freind that is leaking oil out the tailshaft housing seal. Can I remove and replace the seal without removing the transmission. The service manual implies that I can. Also what tool have you used to remove the old seal and push a new one back in. I was going to use a large socket to tap the new one in but I dont know about getting it out. There is not much room there. Last, how many of you think it is just the seal and not the tailshaft bushing that is also worn. I was planning on disconnecting the yoke at the transmission as opposed to removing the universal at the rear axle. I ordered a seal from LICS for $10.

Comments Please

[Chuck R.]

Re: Shouldn't be a biggie John

Once you get the drive shaft out of the way, all you would need to do is put a small thin bladed straight edged screw driver behind the seal flange and tap in towards the center of the seal and back at the same time working your way around the seal. The seal should pop out. You may have to get a little burley with the tapping to get it to initially release, but it should come right out.

Look out for the grease that's laying in the tail stock that will want to run onto the floor.

As far as seal installation, I always put a thin smear of the lubricant that the seal will see on the seal lips of the seal as well as a thin smear of Permatex gasket cement on the outter seal flange where it will come in contact with the tail stock. Most will say it's not necessary, but if the tail stock has any type of scratches or nicks, the cement will fill the voids. This is a judgment call.

Install the seal with a socket suitably sized directly over the flange where it will slide into the tail stock. Tap it in nice and square until it bottoms out and re-install the drive shaft.

If there is significant side to side play of the yoke in the tail stock, I wouldn't hesitate to replace the bushing or your seal efforts are for not. Of course the yoke will become suspect for inspection as well.

Should be about it.

Chuck

[John L.]

Re: Shouldn't be a biggie John

Chuck - Thank you for the reply. I will give it a try.