Rear Axle

Perhaps the Cider making was to much. Last Sunday I noticed a ominous looking leak from the nearside rear brake drum. It appears an oil seal (in fact two most likely have failed, allowing the rear axle's oil to escape. See pic below

Some research on the FoFH forum suggests I have a challenging task in front of me. The outer seal appears to need the half shaft and associated wheel bearing removed. The inner seal is easier in that once the half shaft and axle housing is removed the seal is a more straightforward replacement.


Picture above shows the brake drum removed. Process is slow as I've never attempted this before and nothing seems to want to come apart. Having drained down the rear axle oil this looked emulsified and in poor condition.
With the dark nights drawing in, its a weekend activity (my garage isn't big enough to fit tractor and remove the half shaft).

Thankfully, the brake shoes and drum look in reasonable condition. So new bearing and seals is the first job.