How to top up trans axle

[Timbo2]

Well I've had the car just about 3 weeks and I really love it, my wife has just been out in it with me and remarked how clever the hood was, last time we had a soft top was in an MGA, MK11 and before that a TR4 (that dates me). Just going round checking stuff and I've noticed its had a long term drivers side axle shafte oil seal leak which at first I thought might have been the RMS. I have 2 questions, how do I check the axle oil level (mines a tip so I'm assuming it doesn't share its oil) and how difficult is it to replace the oil seal.

 

[M1ke]

I used to have a Yamaha FJ1200 (off topic I know, but I noticed your signature). Great bike. I grew out of it...too slow and got a Yamaha R1!

 

[Timbo2]

Too slow................ you're quibbling about 0.1 of a second! on a bike which gives yours 17years.

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

Tim - the final drive is just filled with 0.8 litres of transmission oil. There isn't a level plug or drain plug - you have to vacuum the oil out, and refill with the correct amount.

On the RHS you have to split the suspension joints to remove the drive shaft and then remove the flange and fit the seal. On the LHS you don't need to remove the suspension joints in order to disconnect the drive shaft. You need special tools to press in the seals - particularly on the LHS. If you would like more details, drop me an email.

Edit: Looking at a later version of the manual, it says to fill to the level of the filler plug.

 

[Timbo2]

Thanks Richard, its not leaking at the moment but I'm worried thats because there isn't much oil in there. I think I'll try to locate the filler plug and top up first, any idea what grade it takes.
On an entirely different issue, I notice that one of the rads has been replaced, the coolant looks very pale so I'd like to top that up too, is there a drain plug anywhere?
Sorry, one last question I promise, is the tip a fill for life jobby?

Thanks.