Replacing rear axle gasket...

[Matt34]

Today I removed the drive line because I noticed a leak coming from where the drive line meets the transmission or torque converter i think. Wasn't really that big a deal.

I also see that the rear axle is leaking right in the center. Can you just pop that dome shaped cover off and put a new gasket on or is that thing spring loaded or what???

I've read my book but I'm not really sure which kind it is and it covers like three different ones.

Also noticed the rear bearings on the drive line are falling apart so good thing i took it off I guess and they're not to expensive to replace.

Suppose to get new mounts tomorrow so I'll let you guys know how it turns out. I'm not sure what its called but the mechanism that connects the steering column and gas pedal to the motor and transmission is in pretty bad shape. There is a teflon sleeve that is dry rotted and the whole thing is very loose.

Had no idea when I got this thing I'd be basically completely rebuilding the entire car, lol. Still dont know much but have learned quite a bit on the bright side i guess.

As usual any help is appreciated more than you know. Thanks

[kirk]

I'm confused because you shouldn't have a "cover".

Does it look like this? http://kevinstang.com/Ninecase.htm

[Matt34]

I'm confused because you shouldn't have a "cover".

Does it look like this? http://kevinstang.com/Ninecase.htm

yes actually it looks very much like that, I removed the top piece over the rear U joint though to get to the nuts on the u bolts.

Is replacing whatever gasket is in there as simple as removing those bolts and dropping that piece down and cleaning up that surface and replacing?

[kirk]

If you're looking at taking that apart I would rebuild the whole thing. Might want to get good tech help on that one, but let me make it clear I'm no expert on rear ends.

[fastblackmerc]

yes actually it looks very much like that, I removed the top piece over the rear U joint though to get to the nuts on the u bolts.

Is replacing whatever gasket is in there as simple as removing those bolts and dropping that piece down and cleaning up that surface and replacing?

First, I'd get a pressure washer under there to clean things up.

Second, you have to pull the rear axles

Third, pull the driveshaft

Fourth, pull the center section (pumpkin)

Fifth, remove all pieces of old gasket, install new gasket and reassemble.

FYI... If your going to go through all that trouble I'd replace the axle bearings and races, replace the u-joints, rebuild the center section.

[Merrill]

All of the nuts that hold the center section in should have copper washers too. Available at a decent parts store.

[Matt34]

First, I'd get a pressure washer under there to clean things up.

Second, you have to pull the rear axles

Third, pull the driveshaft

Fourth, pull the center section (pumpkin)

Fifth, remove all pieces of old gasket, install new gasket and reassemble.

FYI... If your going to go through all that trouble I'd replace the axle bearings and races, replace the u-joints, rebuild the center section.

Any idea on what it would cost to have all that done by a good shop, just a ball park estimate?