Axle gaskets - apply dry or not?

[IdahoDoug]

One thing I've always wondered is whether it's OK to put a thin film on the surfaces of a paper gasket such as those used on the birfield repack. I did this on the drive plates last time I repacked in order to keep them in place (slightly sticky) - just wiped a thin film on. I was also hoping the gasket would then come off easily next repack.

As I'll be doing another soon, I wondered if this was a good idea or not? What say ye? Dry clean surfaces, or clean surface with a thin film of grease.

DougM

 

[lowenbrau]

I agree with greasing the paper gaskets and soaking the cork ones in 80-90 overnight.

 

[ryanjl]

I've always used a super thin, almost invisible layer of grease that serves to keep the gasket in position while I'm sliding the parts into place.

Don't see how it could cause any harm, especially on gaskets that are there to seal the grease. (like the spindle gasket)

 

[Arya Ebrahimi]

you could also use the spray-on gasket tack stuff...pretty sure that's what it's for

Makes for a somewhat difficult/tedious removal though

 

[Scamper]

I'm a greaser... figure it was greased when I pulled it off, so I'll just accelerate the process a bit But I hate that spray-on stuff. It's like the blue Loc-Tite for gaskets.

 

[CruisinGA]

Always smudge a little grease on the metal surfaces so the paper gaskets will stick...