Swivel to axle gasket

I've got a leak on one side at the joint between the swivel housing and the axle. The one with the 6 very tight BSF nuts and bolts. New gasket and bolts on order. Mine (1970) seems to be original - it still has the leather gaiters on and the swivels don't leak much. As I use it a lot I want to distrurb as little as possible. I'm thinking I could get the bolts out, pull the flange apart and clean it then cut the new gasket at the top (with a jugsaw puzzle shape) and fit it over the shaft. I want to try to keep the wheel bearing adjustment and not disurb the oil seal. The hubs will have to come off next year but for now I want an quick fix. Anyone done this or got another way? thanks

if you undo the brake flexi the whole lot will pull away and allow gasket over the shaft

Thanks! So I would disconnect the flexy, the track rod, drain the oil (axle and swivel?) then pull? The shaft comes out with the unit? That makes sense. I could then put new swivel seals on at the same time. What about the axle oil seal (I'm puzzled, Haynes shows a seal but I can't find it in the parts book). Any tips for the bolts? Mine look in good condition but are very tight and it doesn't look like a ring will fit.

you can leave diff oil in if you jack on side up so oil doesnt leak out,seal is 217400, ive found those nuts/bolts tend to undo with open ended spanners

jamesmartin said:

if you undo the brake flexi the whole lot will pull away and allow gasket over the shaft

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That was going to be my suggestion as well, disconnect the brakes and pull the shaft all the way out.
BUT check the bleed nipples are not seized first otherwise it will become a much larger job. and your solution of cutting the gasket is going to be the only option without further dismantling.

Brake lines and cylinders / nipples new 2 years ago and kept oiled so I'm optimistic.

I am busy rebuilding my front axle as swivels where corroded [Britpart circa 2010 not a good lifespan].
If you lift tthe half shaft / swivel assembly back in as a unit how do you prevent the shaft damaging the oil seal especially the longest one?
Rob in your case I would be tempted to part the joint just sufficient to clean the old gasket off and de grease then seal it with RTV gasket solution.
My brakes had not been touched since rebuild in 2010 I had to cut one off the copper brake pipes to get the hoses off, replacing them with Kunifer.
The flange bolts did come out with two flat spanners but took some time , started the job last thursday done about 40 hours on it so far but I had also removed diff to inspect , currently have diff back in most parts cleaned up and ready for re assembly with some 2nd hand decent swivels.