anti seize or grease on inner cv axle splines?

[foggydogg]

The fluid level in these transmissions in below the axle seal, but there will be some splash while the engine is running, and of course while driving the juice sloshes around, and the seal keeps it from drooling. That looks more like a bit of rust on the inner splines; I've lost track, is this the car that sat unused for a time?
At the transmission shop where I worked part time the in-house routine was to put a Light coat of transmission assembly lube on the splines, but tubs of that stuff were on every bench.
A bit of anti seize wouldn't hurt, but all things in moderation. ATF would be fine.
Keep in mind having the axles out is (hopefully) a once in a hundred thousand mile event.

[scot850]

The RH axle on the R (AWD) gets like that as unlike the LH axle, the RH axle passes through the angle gear to the transmission. The angle gear side has a collar through the side of the transmission which drives the angle gear, but there is no oil there. It is weird though how it gets rusty as the axle is sealed at the RH side of the angle gear so how does water get in there? It must be that the join between the angle gear casing and the transmission is not water tight and it allows water in.

Now on a FWD I am trying to recall if the end of the axle goes into the oil chamber like the LHS. There is a seal there, and I thought the 4 speed auto had the axle go all the way through. Maybe on the 5 speed auto it doesn't?

Neil.

[454cid]

Anti-seize is not a good lubricant for spinny things.

[FireFox31]

Thanks, I'll consider using ATF unless there's outcry against it. I don't have transmission assembly lube (it was hard enough to find specific brake caliper assembly lube).

I don't think the red powder is rust. I pulled the axles from a 1999 FWD and they had red on the splines inside the hubs. Cleaning their splines showed no rust on them. Makes me think it's some kind of adhesive or assembly material. That's why I ask; should I add wet lubricant to a connection which seems to use some dry substance.

I removed the axle to rehabilitate it (sand and paint shaft, replace carrier bearing). I'd like to remove it again to replace the inner boot and gain more space to replace the rear coolant hose. It would be reasonable to remove if it weren't so darn stuck.

[abscate]

I think that is rust, but a wipe with sandpaper will tell if it’s glue or rust. No reason to use glue in there.

[FireFox31]

It likely is rust considering it's from rusty old Geronimo. Thanks for all of your input.

[foggydogg]

Just a side note, my old friends in the transmission business for forty years always thought trans assembly lube was just vasoline with some ATF mixed in - it was about that same consistency, and it was pink.
Putting a little lubrication on the splines would just make the axle slide into place easier; there isn't any movement once the snap ring captures it. ATF smeared on the part where the seal rides wouldn't hurt.
My guess is it will come out easier since you already wrestled with it before.