Packard Forum Index » General

Thanks again for all the response. What I'm thinking is because there was not anything between the break backing plate and the axel housing except the bearing shim I will put it back together without a gasket on either side of the shim. Seems to me that with a new inner axel shaft seal very little if any gear lube will make it to the bearing much less leak out the other side. Even if it did leak it would leak down the back side of the backing plate and not on the breaks. On the surface that seems like a strange rationalization but I'm just not sure what to do. Considering what the shim is there for it may be a mistake to put a gasket on either side of it. On the break side of the backing plate the position of the gaskets is clear. Any last help before I commit to leaving the inner gaskets out?

I don't think that the gasket is important and leaving it out would not be any harm for the reasons you state. If the mating surfaces are clean and fit tight a gasket is probably not necessary.

I do mostly pre war. But, I would think after a rebuild, on any of these, check axle runout. Make sure shims are not all on one side or the other.