drive shaft seal HELP

[brady123]

I have a 1981 turbo spider. The rearmost seal between the drive shaft and the tranny leaks fluid. Got a seal kit from IAP. Finally got the drive shaft out. Then a 'C' retainer. Now there's a 1 1/4" nut (?) Won't budge.

[rodman]

try impact on it ??

[brady123]

I wanted advice before impact. Looks like theres something in the way of the nut, or it's connected to the nut. Not sure.

[rodman]

I wanted advice before impact. Looks like theres something in the way of the nut, or it's connected to the nut. Not sure.

8444247767_020726907a_b by fiatcs2000, on Flickr

[fiatmike124]

Sorry I don't know of any special tricks for the nut, but I highly recommend the impact wrench. First there is a spacer that you may/may not need to use a small puller to remove. Behind the spacer is a rubber ring (seal) and a spring. Once these parts are removed, you will probably need the impact wrench for the nut. I believe the nut is torqued to 108 lb-ft. With the nut removed you should be able to remove the yoke and then the seal is accessible. Unfortunately you may need to use a puller on the yoke too. I just rebuilt my transmission but mine was out if the car. Good luck!

[brady123]

I am not THE person under the car, but on line at work (No internet at home) I will ask him. I know he got the rubber 6" 'donut" out (has a retaining ring around it). He was also saying that a socket won't fit in there, an open end wrench won't stay on it. Of course we'd have to borrow a box end 1 1/4" wrench, but he's not sure that would get it. I printed the picture and your suggestion, thanks.

[SLOSpider]

You have to remove the driveshaft centering collar. You can use a tie rod puller or battery terminal puller to get it to slide off the shaft.

[redcars]

The nut is a 32mm and you need a deep well socket. Just go to an auto parts store and get a deep well impact and you are all set.

[redcars]

I forgot to add that there is a locking tab that should be bent over on one side of that nut so it needs to be bent back away from the nut.

[JerryH]

I had a problem with that nut when I rebuilt my tranny. See my post (with photos) here:
http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=10260
I finally got it off using a 4 foot breaker bar. My tranny was not in the car so it was possible to use a breaker. If I was under the car I'd try the impact wrench. I'd try a shorter hose with my compressor pressure maxed.

Good luck!
-Jerry

[brady123]

Thanks for the suggestions! The impact worked. Now to put the seal in and put it back together!