Replacing Rear Axle Seal - cont'd - some handy hints

I have been asked to write some more about replacing a rear axle seal. Firstly please refer to my original posting about this subject. That will provide the basic information about how to do the repair along with some photos.
Here are some extra handy hints:

1. Use the correct tools. If you don't have such things as the torque multiplier go out and buy one. ( See my earlier posting for photos) The cost of the tools is not great and you will get a return on your investment every time you do a repair job. And your friends will just love to borrow them from you so your popularity will soar every time they have a repair job. One of my favorite tools is my 3/4 inch socket wrench which I purchased second hand. I use a reduction socket on it so I can use my 1/2 inch sockets. So much easier to use, especially if you are like me getting on in years. But be careful this wrench applies a lot of torque/pressure, so take things really easy and don't under estimate the amount of pressure you are applying otherwise you can do some real damage.
2. Keep the old axle oil seal after you have removed it from the housing/cover. You can use it to assist to drive/press the new oil seal into the housing/cover.
3. Before you attempt to press/drive the new oil seal into the housing/cover lubricate it with some spray on silicon lube. The seal will be really easy to insert.
4. Keep the packet that the seal kit comes in. That way you will always have the correct part number when you reorder a replacement. Order a replacement after using the unit you have so you have a spare on hand to do a quick repair job.
5. If you don't want to do the repair yourself,a professional will take about 1 to 1 1/2 hours to replace a rear axle oil seal plus parts if all goes well. Ask lots of questions if you are asked to pay more. Expect to pay as much as double the price of parts compared with what you would pay if you purchased them direct from a parts supplier - so don't be afraid to ask for a discount.
6. After pressing the new oil seal into the housing/cover insert the outer spacer into the seal. This will ensure that when you place the unit onto the axle everything will be lined up and the new seal will not be damaged. If you don't do this you risk damaging the oil seal when you bolt down the cover.
7. Before starting the job put down a drip tray to catch any gear box oil spill. And at the end of the job remember to top up the gear box oil.
8. 
   Email me at roso@clear.net.nz if you would like some additional (on line) support.