Rear axle hole

[Bigjoe]

Ok here goes nothing. We finally picked up a new axle for the 69kl. The donor was a rig out of Texas a 1967. We followed the advise of the powers to be at 60 patrol and the manual (thanks again). It wasn't to bad to put back together. We did notice the axle out of the 67 was a little shorter than the 69. But without using spacers it fit snug and seems to work fine.

The big question we have is what is the purpose of the (drain, breathing hole) in the end of the axle? I noticed a small leak from it. and after inspection determined the axel seal was ok. .I.e no oil on brakes or inside of drum. I believe the leak is from me over packing the wheel bearing. Do I need to plug it so no contaminates get into the wheel bearing, or is there a logical reason for it being open. Once again thanks for the help

[Esteban]

The big question we have is what is the purpose of the (drain, breathing hole) in the end of the axle? I noticed a small leak from it. and after inspection determined the axel seal was ok. .I.e no oil on brakes or inside of drum. I believe the leak is from me over packing the wheel bearing. Do I need to plug it so no contaminates get into the wheel bearing, or is there a logical reason for it being open. Once again thanks for the help

I wish the discussion will be about the awesome picture of your Patrol. It should be in a calendar or a poster. Congratulations.

Certainly your questioning about the hole is really interesting since there's no any mention of it in the manuals. Your explanation makes sense. I could only think that in the case of failure of the outside seal, the grease ends up on the outside of the axle (as in you picture) instead on the inside of the drum, putting safety at risk. I don't know if other manufacturers have done this but is really clever. Water will never enter the bearing from this hole, since the outside seal is protecting from it (provided that it's in good condition).

Thanks for this observation. I guess that it can open this topic for some good discussion.

[sleepyzzz]

Datsun used a breather on the rear axles of the roadsters. can't say anything regarding the patrol, but will get the factory parts manual out and do some research.

that first picture posted is calender worthy, as in the front page picture and again inside. very nice, and i appreciate you posting it.

[Bigjoe]

Thanks, The Kid did it with I phone. 60 Patrol has his permission to use it, You guys have been nothing but good to us. As far as the seals go, We are considering replacing the inner and outer seal prior to him moving to Montana for college. He wont leave California without his Jonga