Complete rear axle removal

All surface rust is fully removed then the axle has been coated with two layer of primer today. Axle truss won't be added at this time as I'm running low on shield gas for my welder. It's more difficult than ever to get some stuff I need, like paint, brake cleaner etc. Will see how this project goes in the next few weeks under this lock down.

Look what I've found when I pulled the oil seal of my rear axle!


The garage did not bother removing the old seal! Just left in place and hammered a new one on top of the old one!

They should erect fence posts for living instead of bodging on cars on their daily basis!

I'm socked and hoping my axle is not damaged...

I am concerned about the future of my car. I will either set it on fire or just push it into a river...
Looks like the double seal installation shown here previously has killed my rear axle housing.
Whilst the beam axle was stripped and painted I did replace the old oil seal. Old wheel bearing looked fine so I left it on. Shortly after the first test drive (less than 100km) the new seal had failed again. I thought that was likely due to the old wheel bearing which I left on the axle.
So I replaced the failed (new) seal, together with the (old) bearing and retainer ring as well (posted on this forum). The short lifespan of new seal was a bit suspicious, but it could be just poor timing of one of those things..

And The Day has come yesterday, for my annual trip to Hungary. I was planning to go off-roading and spend a month there.
It was 11pm, I was driving to the ferry when I felt it's worth to have a look and check.
Booom! The damn failure has occured again! Luckily I was just 40miles away from home. Had to turn back then canceled the trip. Took a photo this morning.

At this point I think the only solution is float axle conversion. The front wheel bearing and oil seal is not prone to fail as far as I known.

Sad that your planned trip has ended so early

Its worth trying a new seal on there, but I do agree with your suggestion that floating rears are the best answer to the problem. Mine have been superb since fitting

Cheers Riccy. If you don't mind asking, how did you contact Andrey the russian aka g r e e n ?

I've just found him on facebook 5 minutes ago and sent him a message. Fingers crossed he'll be able to sort out my proplem for good.