Re: Pinion seal

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2012/10/5 9:36:27

There really are two issues here, the continuing leak and the pinion bearing preload. They may or may not be related.

With regard to the bearing preload, if you're not installing a new crush sleeve then the only option, as noted above, is to tighten the pinion retainer nut to exactly the same position as it was in when removed. Of course this assumes that it was properly set in the first place - if a previous attempt to repair did not reestablish the preload, then whatever position it is in is useless information and you'll have to go back to basics and reestablish the preload from scratch.

Though the pinion seal is the most likely source of a leak, it isn't the only possibility so clean things up and take a good look at the carrier to housing area. Also make sure the rear axle housing vent is clear - this is usually at the bolt head on the hydraulic fitting block. If you find the leak is still at the pinion seal and the vent was open, either the seal is incorrect, incorrectly installed, or the pinion shaft is scored or worn (which often can be sleeved).