Date:         Wed, 10 Mar 2004 21:43:42 -0600
Reply-To:     "Warren.K.Lail-1" <wlail@OU.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Warren.K.Lail-1" <wlail@OU.EDU>
Subject:      Drive Flange Seals - Repair
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

I got out early this morning and pulled my tranny.
Yes, by myself (not fun).  I had to pull it to
replace that dang starter bushing (tried for two
days to get it out).  Once out, I wanted to replace
the drive flange seals.  It took about one hour to
replace the seals.  I followed directions from list
members and it was easy.

First, I used a wad of paper towels to remove all of
the grease.  Then I used a small screwdriver to
pop the blue cover seal.  Then I used two screw
drivers to wedge the lock ring off.  There is a
washer underneath the lock ring that is beveled to the outside.  I then used thoses same two screw drivers to wriggle the drive flange off of the
splines.

I then used a screw driver as a punch to drive into,
and wedge out, the drive flange seal.  Once it was
out, I oiled up the new one and used a paint can
lid to gently tap the new seal until it was
well started in.  I then took a small piece of wood
and tapped all around until it was seated.

Then I put the plastic ring back on, followed by
the drive flange, then the outward-facing washer,
followed by the snap ring.  Finally, I popped on
the new cap and it was done.  Dry as a bone (Billy Bone's, that is).

Tomorrow I will install the "shifter shaft seal" when it arrives via UPS Next Day (yes, I need
it now!).  Then the tranny goes back up.  Hope I
can con someone into helping me by then.

If anyone is about to undertake a drive flange
seal replacement, pmail me and I'll be happy to
share my experience in more detail if you want.

Warren Lail
88 Westy "Billy Bones"
87 GL "Long John"