P38A Axle Oil Seals

Does anyone have any advice on fitting axle oil seals to a P38? I've had three attempts now and one side is still leaking. The oil seal wasn't originally leaking but I removed the hub/driveshaft for something else and decided to replace the seals which turned out to be a bad idea.

I'm basically tapping the seal in square and then putting the driveshaft back in as carefully as possible without touching the seal. After fitting it all back together and going for a drive, oil still leaks and removing it again shows the seal usually ends up with a slight tear, the spring stays attached and doesn't fall off. I've tried coating the seal/driveshaft end in grease to help them stay lubricated until oil gets splashed onto it but that doesn't seem to help.

Is it worth buying the tool to fit them (LRT-51-012)?

Is this is the rear axle? I had what I thought was a leaking oil seal, replaced it and it continued to leak. Turned out to be the hub bearing was away - causing movement that was too much for the oil seal. You should be able to feel any wear in the hub bearing.
Good luck

Just noticed your comment about the LR tool - so guess this may be the front one you're talking about. I think the same may apply - check the bearing

Sorry, yes I am talking about the front axle. Good point, I'll double check that when I get some new seals for the next time I take it apart.

Sh!tpart seals?

Mind you, I've got Sh!tpart on mine (shhh!) and they haven't torn yet.

With the front hub there is a need to properly align it (I think thats what the tool is for). Have a search for threads about balljoint replacement, there's info there...

Grrrrrr said:

Mind you, I've got Sh!tpart on mine (shhh!) and they haven't torn yet.

Click to expand...

Now you've blown it ...

Ah, you think the ball-joints are fecked? Could be. Thought he would have noticed that while driving though.

I've tried a few different brands: genuine, bearmach and britpart. All have leaked so far.

Ball-joints are fairly new from before this started leaking. I didn't align the hub though since some people said it wasn't necessary.

The hub adjusts on the ball joints on the axle ,the shaft needs to be in the middle of the seal ,if it pressing up or down on it it will leak and the lip on the seal will wear very quick..... OW and after so many ball joint replacements the axle needs changed,,.

So say if you leave the collet in place when replacing the ball joints it'll stay centered. Worked for me so far (1000miles).
You get 3 tries before the yokes are written off. Not sure why?

Yes thats what I read so that's what I did when I replaced the ball joints.

Who's ball joints were they?

Lemforder. As said above I went for a decent brand as you only get three goes!