Replacing large left seal in rear drive, '81 R100

[itsme]

To replace the seal, does the cover need to come off? Any special tricks? Regular tools sufficient?

[Bamboo812]

Wrap the splines with electrical tape or similar to avoid damaging the new seal when installing.

[itsme]

Wrap the splines with electrical tape or similar to avoid damaging the new seal when installing.

Great idea, thanks!

[itsme]

old seal is out, need to clean now.

[mattcfish]

A Ranier beer can with the ends cut off fits perfectly over the splines too.
You should remove the cover and replace the gasket. It comes off easily...you thread in 2 screws to pull it off, there are threaded holes provided for this purpose.

[montmil]

A Ranier beer can with the ends cut off fits perfectly over the splines too.
You should remove the cover and replace the gasket. It comes off easily...you thread in 2 screws to pull it off, there are threaded holes provided for this purpose.

Most first-timers miss the two threaded holes that assist in removing the Cardan cover. 5mm, IIRC.

I've successfully used a trimmed aluminum adult barley beverage can as a seal/spline install tool. The rounded punt/bottom of the can gets the seal's lip properly positioned. Be sure to smooth the cut edge of the can as even a small burr can ruin the seal's fragile lip as you remove the "special tool". Plus, oil to can to aid in a smoother install.

That and don't forget the gasket!

Monte

[Bamboo812]

Modern cardan gaskets are thicker now than the original paper thin ones. Replacing it will most likely require re-shimming.

[SteveD]

Modern cardan gaskets are thicker now than the original paper thin ones. Replacing it will most likely require re-shimming.

Is a modern gasket in a tube out of the question?
https://www.threebond.co.jp/en/technica ... skets.html

[Bamboo812]

Modern cardan gaskets are thicker now than the original paper thin ones. Replacing it will most likely require re-shimming.

Is a modern gasket in a tube out of the question?
https://www.threebond.co.jp/en/technica ... skets.html

Not out of the question; paper gaskets went the way of sword fighting awhile back. In this case though, taking either new or old gasket out of the question still requires re-shimming...

[enigmaT120]

Bummer. I'm really good at sword fighting.

But I can't make paper gaskets seal.