I think that my rear axle seal is leaking into my brake drum area. (The grease doesn't look like it's coming from the piston thingy at the top). Do I have to remove the entire brake assembly to replace the axle seal? And do I have to replace the brake pads as well? (They're fairly new)

 

If the friction material is soaked in gear oil, the shoes are shot. You don't have to pull the shoes to change the seal, but if they're oil contaminated they aren't going to stop the car at all.

Replacing the axle seal isn't THAT big a deal. You'll have to take the wheels and drums off, and the cover off the rear end so you can drain the fluid out. Then rotate the diff until you can get to the bolt that holds the big pin going through the middle. Be careful taking this out...they like to break. Sometimes it helps to tap the crosspin lightly with a hammer a few times from each end to help loosen it up. Once it's out, you can slide the crosspin out and push the axles IN slightly. Then you pull the C-clips off the ends of the axles and slide the axles out. Take the seals out, replace the bearings if you're smart, and put the new seals in. Reassemble in reverse order.

 

Yep, TheGreatJ pretty much summed it up. If either brake fluid or gear oil is leaking on the drums, the shoes are pretty much ruined.

I had a very similar problem 3-4 months ago. Turns out my wheel cylinder was leaking and my axle seal was leaking on the driver's side rear. And, these things aren't hard to do, but it will take some time. Good luck!

 

The crosspin can be a problem, especially if you round it off. You might consider using a 6-point socket and a 1/4 inch breaker bar. Also helpful if you remove the bearings is a slide hammer. Check the axels for any grooving. If one or both are grooved, off-set bearings are a quick, cheap fix.

JamesC

 

Usually I use a 6-point 8mm, 1/4" drive ratchet, and a small hammer. Impact will usually break it loose, while steady torque tends to twist them apart. This is also why I suggest tapping the crosspin at both ends a few times before trying to get the bolt out.

 

Where do you refill the axle once the cover is back on? Is there any trick to it? I haven't really looked yet.

 

To put fluid back in, look near the top of the "pumpkin" on the passenger side and you should see this plug with a square cut in it. Use your 3/8 ratchet and an extension to loosen/tighten it.