MG TC REAR WHEEL OIL SEAL MODIFICATION

By Hob SCHAPEL MGCC SA  (amended by Harry Pyle 10/90)

For photo refer 'Photos' section of web site 'Restorations'

This mod consists of the fitting of an additional Flaseal on the axle half shaft.

This has the effect of preventing the oil from even getting out of the axle housing tube !!! This means that the wheel bearings do not receive any leaking diff oil for lubrication. As a result you must do one of the following;

1) Use original open type wheel bearings and re install the grease nipple in the hub for lubrication.

or 2} Use prepacked double sealed bearings.

PROCEDURE

1) Silver solder or soft solder (minimum heat) a piece of standard exhaust tubing to the castellated wheel bearing nut. The tube to be 1 5/8" ID and 7/16" long. The tube must be centrally (concentric) located to the nut to ensure the Flaseal runs true. (this job is best performed with the aid of a lathe.)   PHOTO A.

2) Fit the castellated nut as per normal and wipe a finger full of silastic inside the tube to ensure the thread/nut are sealed (especially the keyway for the tab washer).   PHOTO A.

3) Machine collar/sleeve 1" ID x 1 3/32" OD x 3/4" Long with a polished surface on outside. (this is the surface the new fla seal will run on). Standard sleeves are available from bearing suppliers but make sure the Flaseal fits the OD of the sleeve you use.

4) Wipe half shaft clean with metho or similar. Apply suitable LOCTITE to half shaft for approx 1" at hub end. Press/tap the collar/sleeve over the length of the half shaft until it abuts the hub. Wipe a finger full of silastic inside the hub to ensure seal between collar, hub and shaft.   PHOTO B.

5) Tap bronze bush 1/4" further into axle housing tube (to clear collar). PHOTO A.  Press Flaseal size 41.27 x 28.57 x 9.52 into tube and assemble halfshaft/hub as per normal.   PHOTO C.

The beaut things about this mod are that the oil which we are trying to stop can never get to the place from which it can leak. Also the seal can be replaced very easily without having to remove nut, carrier and bearing. The original seal now only has to act as a dirt excluder.