Anything and everything Spitfire.

Rear axle, brakes, wheels and tyres.

Hi All,

Does anyone know if it's possible to replace the gasket (the main one that sits between the two halves of the diff) without removing the diff completely? I've just had the pinion seal replaced as that was leaking, only to find that the main circular paper gasket sandwiched between the two halfs of the diff itself is also dripping oil (how's your luck eh?). My local friendly neighbourhood mechanic doesn't relish replacing it, as he is convinced the whole diff has to come out to do it (meaning the leaf spring etc. having to be removed etc. etc. etc.) and the Haynes manual also seems to suggest a complete removal too.

Anyone confirm this or have a trick up their sleeve which gets around all this hassle?

Cheers,
Ian.