mk3 shift shaft seal

I have a new-to-me mk3 in good running condition that I am working on. The shift shaft seal is leaking quite a lot, so I embarked on replacing it.

I ordered a new seal from oldbritts and set about removing the old seal. It's not going easily.

I ultimately ended up destroying the old seal and taking it out in little bits of plastic. It appears to me that there is left, lining the edges of the hole and set in the bottom, a thin steel ring that might be the further remains of the seal. The new seal has no such steel body, but I don't know what was in there before. I'm hesitant to start trying to remove the ring, especially if it's actually part of the outer cover. I have some records on the bike that indicate that the seal was replaced not that many miles (but several years) ago. Perhaps a different seal than stock was installed last? Possibly installed backwards (most such seals I've seen have the steel face to the outside, not inside)?

Any suggestions on how to proceed would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Michael (my first post)

The old seal is in inches and has a steel OD. The new seal is metric (you should see markings on this face) and has a rubber OD. You need to carefully remove the remaining parts of the old seal w/o damaging the bore. I had a problem with the new seal coming out so I diluted some Permatex Aviation cement w/ alcohol and coated the seal and bore, pressed it in place and clamped it over night.
Pete

Thanks Pete! Exactly what I needed to know.

michael95453 said:

Thanks Pete! Exactly what I needed to know.

Click to expand...

That little seal tends to leak because the bushing supporting the shaft is loose. The seal can't deal with much slop in the shaft. You may need a new bushing.

Got the remainder of the old seal out and the new seal in. Now I need a road test. Replacing the bushing certainly remains a possibility. Thanks to all.

Replaced that tiny bushing at the same time. Tighter the better. Freeze bushing. Heat area up. Tap in.