Asbestos??

[72Mustang84]

Hi guys,

I'm struggling to remove the paper gasket off of my ford 9" axle (the green gasket between the axle housing and the centre section) and I've had to resort to sanding it. I stopped when I realised it might contain asbestos. Is there any way of telling if it does contain asbestos? The axle is out of a '73 mustang.

 

[mrmach1]

Probably not asbestos as that would have only been used if it generated high heat, but to be on the safe side wear a particle mask while removing it.

 

[OLE PONY]

Good question. The original doughnut exhaust gaskets were probably asbestos, but not sure about rear end housing gasket.

 

[72HCODE]

the exhaust and brakes might of contained asbestos. modern replacement parts did not.

it hard to know when some manufactures phased out asbestos in parts.

the axle seal should of not had asbestos, but unless you sent the parts off to a test lab you wouldn't know.

best to take precaution.

wear a mask

wet the gasket and dust down and wipe it.

instead of sanding using acetone or lacquer thinner to eat the gasket or sealant glue away to create no dust. use a paint scrapper or a gasket scraper.

when the gasket is removed then wet down the entire area and wipe just to make sure.

relax you are most likely ok.

new parts will not have asbestos in them.