replace rear wheel bearing on 1970 Fiat Spider

[Wfolland]

Do I need to drain oil from differential prior to pulling rear axel and replacing oil seal in order to prevent oil from leaking out the axel housing ?

[azruss]

Yes. There are no internal oil seals.

[RoyBatty]

Or you could just jack the side of the car you're working on just a bit higher than the other. This will of course let the grease flow away from the axle you're working on.
Also, there is a lip seal inside, once you remove the axle it should be plainly visible.
If you're pulling both axles at the same time, then yes, drain the housing.
This is speaking from what I've experienced with two different 75 spiders and my 71 coupe.

[Wfolland]

Guess I'll have to drain the oil since I have both sides up and on jack stands .Thanks everyone for your advice.

[70spider]

Wfolland,
Would you do me a favor and post some pics and details. This is on my Spring to do list, so a little heads up would be great.
Thanks and good luck.

[bradartigue]

Nasty job. If you're pulling the axles then consider changing the differential gasket and shaft seal...on that model you separate the diff from the housing, and you're more than half way there with the axles out.

[Wfolland]

Please help me understand the process to change out the diff. gasket and shaft seal. Trying to visualize where this gasket and seal are located from looking at a cross section drawing of the rear axel in the Fiat repair manual. Are you talking about the drive shaft seal ?,

[bradartigue]

Please help me understand the process to change out the diff. gasket and shaft seal. Trying to visualize where this gasket and seal are located from looking at a cross section drawing of the rear axel in the Fiat repair manual. Are you talking about the drive shaft seal ?,

Find a shop manual and look at the diagram - the driveshaft connects to a 4 bolt flange which is slip-fit onto a splined shaft, which has a seal around it. The follow visually the differential and you'll clearly see two pieces, the diff itself bolted to the housing. The housing holds the diff and axles.

My point is that you've done a whole lot of work just getting the axles out, so it would be reasonably easy to unbolt the diff and replace the seal and gasket, but if they aren't leaking, maybe not bother.

[Wfolland]

Checked out the shop manual that got under car to check everything out, everything is nice and dry. Think I'll leave it alone and go onto more pressing issues, as I do have a few but thanks for your suggestions as I better understand that area of my car after our conversation.

[bradartigue]

Checked out the shop manual that got under car to check everything out, everything is nice and dry. Think I'll leave it alone and go onto more pressing issues, as I do have a few but thanks for your suggestions as I better understand that area of my car after our conversation.

Good call. No leaks = it works. Helicopter pilots are the only people who disagree with me, they say if it leaks you know it has fluid.