Rear axle flange metal cover

[hinto11]

Hi

I am replacing my rear wheel studs (99 GU disc brake) and i have come across a metal cover that seperates the bearing housing from the wheel flange (See images). There doesnt seem to be any rubber seals. After pulling this cover back a few mm's i could see alot of dirt and grease inside. I was wondering what is actually underneath that cover plate? and should i pull the axle out and clean it all?

Thanks Nick

[97_gq_lwb]

If their is grease around it i would be pulling the axel and checking that the axel seal hasn't been leaking diff oil into the bearing .

[hinto11]

There isn't grease on the outside of the cover. It is on the inside, i can see it when i pull the cover back a little bit. Is this the cover for the axle bearing?

[97_gq_lwb]

from my experience when the axel seal lets go the diff oil gets into the wheelbearing and then leads to signs of grease around the hub as it dilutes the grease and it weeps through the other seals.
And for some reason it is usally the left hand side that goes.