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I am finally getting back to repairing the rear axle pinion seal leak. A few months back I replaced the seal and tightened the flange nut the same number of turns it took to remove it when I took it off to remove the old seal. Got it all back together, filled it, and the seal still leaked even though I never moved the car. This afternoon I removed the nut and pulled the flange out and whatever oil was left proceeded to leak out, so I guess the seal is working somewhat. I am going to inspect the seal once it stops leaking, and if it's OK I plan to reinstall the flange and tighten it an additional quarter turn, fill it up, and if it still leaks, tighten an additional quarter turn repeating this process until the leak stops. Is this the best way to try to resolve this problem?

Not sure how this happened, but I'm not Phil's 38 coupe. I'm Phil 53. The car in the previous post is a 53 400 (Patrician) forgot to mention that.

Not sure how this happened, but I'm not Phil's 38 coupe. I'm Phil 53. The car in the previous post is a 53 400 (Patrician) forgot to mention that.

IDENTITY THIEF!!!! CALL THE COPS :D

Tightening the pinion nut beyond its original position will have no effect on the leak but could leave you with damaged bearings.

The seal seals on two diameters, its inner and outer. It is leaking at one or another which you can determine by careful observation..

You might have been better off to take the car for a bit of a drive to see if the seal would bed in unless it was leaking copiously.

Yes, tightening the nut won't help and as Ross state will probably cause damage. Make sure the seal is seated all the way in.
Wes

Thanks for the quick response. I forgot to inspect the shaft before installing the first time. I'll inspect it carefully before reinstalling. I got 12 and 1/4 turns which I guess is the right tension. I didn't road test to wear it in the first time. I'll reinstall at the original turns. I guess I'll have to wait for dry salt free roads here as we are getting a couple of inches today.