MG Car Repair: Rear axle leak, moss europe, mg midget

Question
QUESTION: Hello I have a 1980 MG midget.
While trying to removed the rear brake guts, I removed the screw for the centre axle hub.  When I pulled on this it came out about an inch and leaked axle oil out.  This is not what I had intended, so I quickly pushed it back in.  I had to twist it back and forth a bit to get it to seat.  It seems to still be leaking oil.  Could it be that I have pushed the seal out of position?  Can you tell me how to correctly get this seal back in position, and how to refill the axle oil, and what type to use.
Many Thanks,
Neil

ANSWER: Hi Neil.  
There are 3 things that might be causing your problem.  See this diagram on the Moss website:

  http://www.moss-europe.co.uk/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=11636

Part 53 is the oil seal.  It is unlikely that you have damaged the seal.

Part 54 is a paper gasket.  If you have broken it, this may weep.  Either get another one or use instant gasket (from a tube) instead.

Part number 55 is a large O ring.  My guess is that this has slipped.  If you clamped it back together in the wrong place, then you may have damaged the O ring.  Get a new one from Moss.  They are not expensive.

Jack the car up so that this side of the axle is higher than the other side.  That should prevent the oil from running out while you carefully undo the screw, fix the fault, clean up, and put it all back together again.  Make sure no oil has contaminated the brake shoes.  

When you have finished, with the car on level ground, top up the rear axle with EP90 or EP80W/90 or EP75W/90.  Make sure it is EP grade oil.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you very much for the quick reply.
I have used permatex to seal the leak until parts arrive.  I had ordered a hub kit complete.  To access the oring and oil seal, I need to pull the hub off right?
On another issue is there an easy way to pull out the fan switch from the dash to test it.  This is on an 80 MG Midget.  The fan blower runs, but I cannot get it to operate from the switch?  It needs defrost to work to pass safety.
Thanks again,
Neil

Answer
Hi Neil.  Yes, the driveshaft just pulls straight out (and all the oil runs out).  Remember to keep that side higher than the other side.  

As regards the fan switch, it should just pull out, but be careful that you don't damage the crackle finish paint around it.  I can usually prise it out with my fingernails.  If it won't come out easily, try getting your hand behind it and pushing it out.  Those switches do fail and replacements are not expensive.