Syncro De-coupler and axle lock shaft frozen!

[1vw4x4]

This Syncro has seen its share of bad weather. As I removed the
transaxle yesterday I was amazed of the crap jammed in every orifice.
What the customer complain is, that both the de-coupler and axle lock don't
work. Basically both are frozen. Obviously the poor environment
this syncro was subject to did this. An easy fix could have been no seal
on the steel shaft. This would allow gear oil to seep into the shaft further
and prevent corrosion. I can't come up with any better way to continually add
lube to this area, preventing this again. Any ideas?

[gears]

These are normally covered in grease, which is held in place by a short piece of 5/8" or 3/4" ID rubber breather hose. If this is omitted, the shafts will freeze up. I'm far from my syncro, or I'd take photos/measurements for you.
_________________
aka Pablo, Geary
9.36 @ 146 in '86 Hot & Sticky
'90 Syncro Westy SVX
'87 Syncro GL 2.5
https://guardtransaxle.com

[1vw4x4]

I do typically add a little bit of grease, but have always been concerned
about getting the grease on the rubber of the vacuum actuator.
Do you have a suggestion as to the type of grease to use?

I also have the small hose piece in place. These will keep the heavy wash downs away, but do not seem to be fully water tight on mine.