TheSamba.com :: View topic - 1966 rear end seal kit paper gasket problem solved

Wed Jun 27, 2012 7:13 pm

Replacing my rear end seals on the 66.

Installing the paper gasket I found this bullshit.

So what I did to fix this was make the edge that hung over too much and cut it out with some scissors. It worked out really well. I had to cut into the bolt hole part of the paper gasket but I put aviation permatex on the bolt threads so I am covered there. I also used the big oring since I have the chamfered bearing cover.

Anyone ever ran into this? I can't be the only one. Also, why does this paper gasket not fit? It is bound to fit SOME model year.

Wed Jun 27, 2012 7:45 pm

I think the extra gasket is only used on Type II applications with reduction boxes up to '67, notice the description used by WW on their kits...
http://www.wolfsburgwest.com/cart/DetailsList.cfm?ID=111598051A

AFAIK you don't need to use the extra gasket behind the backing plate on a Type I. I never use one and the manual doesn't show one either..

Thu Jun 28, 2012 3:41 am

Yep - only one gasket is used on a type 1.

Thu Jun 28, 2012 8:48 am

Gnarlyleech wrote: Anyone ever ran into this? I can't be the only one. Also, why does this paper gasket not fit? It is bound to fit SOME model year.

I like the way you used your backing plate as a frame for the axle assembly in the back. It took me a while to figure out what exactly I was looking at but once I did it was like a picture-in-picture.

However, back to your paper gasket. The gasket is the correct size for your car. It is designed to fit over the O-ring and it gets crushed onto the O-ring when the bearing retainer is installed. I know it seems weird, but that's how it works. You're probably fine with it trimmed though, it should work either way.

Thu Jun 28, 2012 10:33 am

This is all good to know. I think I will keep trimming it like that. Actually, I'm hoping that I did such a damn good job that by the time I have to redo it, I won't remember any of this. lol

Thu Jul 26, 2012 9:09 pm

This subject has been talked about a lot and I'm still not clear.

Here is a photo of the 1966 Bentley showing 1 gasket behind the backing plate and using the two rubber O rings. Looks like there is a contradiction in the Bentley. Comments????

My local guru uses the below method and installs in this order.

Gasket against bearing housing.
small O ring
backing plate
large O ring
spacer
washer
cover with no gasket.

Fri Jul 27, 2012 10:48 am

The gasket seals the joining surfaces of the bearing cap and the backing plate. This helps to assure that any oil weep will be directed into the weep hole and out the back side of the brake assembly.

Regarding the diagram in the Bentley manual, if it shows the paper gasket out of proper order in the exploded diagram, that's just one of a handful of minor errors in an otherwise very helpful publication. I can imagine this being brought to the attention of a team leader during the publishing process, several people scratching their heads about how to re-draw it. Then someone at the top declares that it's time to go to the print shop, so all category 2 errors are going to have to be dismissed and submitted as-is.

Fri Jul 27, 2012 6:01 pm

LHG wrote:
Here is a photo of the 1966 Bentley showing 1 gasket behind the backing plate and using the two rubber O rings. Looks like there is a contradiction in the Bentley. Comments????

My local guru uses the below method and installs in this order.

Gasket against bearing housing.
small O ring
backing plate
large O ring
spacer
washer
cover with no gasket.

My picture above comes from the same Bentley manual under "Rear Axle", but in the Brake section it has the same picture as your sample. That is truly contradictory.

Not sure where your "Guru" got his experience from, but I'm staying with my story as told above. When replacing axle seals or bearings, I never use a paper gasket behind the backing plate. The main reason is that the gasket ID is not large enough fit over the raised lip on the axle tube flange without modification or force, it is only big enough to fit over the bearing.

The #7 washer goes on before the small o-ring and spacer as well, so better have your Guru read up on this too.

Fri Jul 27, 2012 6:45 pm

That pic appears to be from a 66-69 manual. The pic is for an IRS setup.

Fri Jul 27, 2012 10:11 pm

vwsteve wrote: That pic appears to be from a 66-69 manual. The pic is for an IRS setup.

Yes, it's from the '66-'69 manual, but look again...

It's a swing axle with a four bolt drum, as fitted Euro '67 1500's and US '68's.

Fri Jul 19, 2013 3:10 am

Same issues fitting my rear seal kit. Kit was top notch quality, chamfered style bearing cover so large Oring goes in.

Cutted the paper gasket's inner diameter just a little bit to fit in the bearing housing, then backing plate, then large Oring over the bearing that sits at the end, touching the bearing housing raised surface. My concern is that if I put then the paper gasket over and then the bearing cover, the paper gasket fits tight in the bearing and will be in the 'middle' of the chamfered surface and the Oring...

What do you think? OK I know that I can fit it without paper gaskets...

Fri Jul 19, 2013 3:27 am

made a quick sketch of the parts involved. Paper gasket section painted in pink is that in my opinion will interfere with the Oring and the chamfered sealing surface on the bearing cover.

Fri Jul 19, 2013 7:35 am

xavi_242 wrote: made a quick sketch of the parts involved. Paper gasket section painted in pink is that in my opinion will interfere with the Oring and the chamfered sealing surface on the bearing cover.

Like shown in your drawing I've put the o-ring over the bearing first and the gasket second in the past and it doesn't seem to effect how it fits or seals. Once the cover is on and tight the gasket will deform around the big o-ring with no problem.

However, I usually put the gasket against the backing plate first, then put the large o-ring around the bearing. Again, doesn't seem to be that critical which side it goes against.