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Re: [T3] Rear axle grease seal


On 15 Sep 2003 at 11:35, Aaron Clow wrote:

> I don't know if this is possible, but I think whatever
> grease was in there before, SEPARATED... There was a
> black oil substance which leaked across the lengthwise
> grooves on the axle, and then there was a totally
> clear type of grease that was in the bearings... Not
> much, but it was there. It was like it was two totally
> different kinds of lubricant.

Grease is a mixture of a substance known chemically as a soap and oil. It is 
intended to separate. The oil is the lubricant, the soap is just the carrier 
and dispenser. It's unusual to see this in a bearing that has been used, 
however, because the turning usually churns the mixture up rather constantly. 
If your car has been parked for a long time that is reasonable. You'll often 
find oil that is separating out of grease in its container.

> Would you recommend that I take this completely apart
> and re-do everything re:the bentley or can I just
> repack it and put it back together again?

Taking everything apart is a lot of work, and I never do it. The only real 
advantage is that you can clean everything well, polish up the sealing 
surfaces, and replace the seals. If everything looks clean I'd be VERY tempted 
to just push some good fresh grease in there, replace the outer seal, and put 
it all back together.

Whatever you do, make sure that you get the axle nut torqued to 215 ft-lbs and 
install the cotter pin.

-- 
*******************************
Jim Adney, jadney@vwtype3.org
Madison, Wisconsin, USA
*******************************

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