Driveshaft removal = gear oil

[TulsaSpider]

Yesterday I removed the driveshaft. When I did I get about 1/4 cup of gear oil that was between the two surfaces. What's the fix for this?

[ventura ace]

It's probably leaking around the splines on the pinion. Two trains of thought:
1) Let it continue to leak past the splines. Make yourself a thin gasket or use gasket sealer (or both) to seal between the flanges of the pinion and the drive shaft, so the leaking oil won't sling all over the under side of the car.
2) Remove the Pinion nut and the pinion, clean it up as good as you can. The splines on the input shaft to the differential will be difficult to clean unless you remove the shaft seal, but I'd leave the shaft seal alone if you think it's not leaking. Put a generous coating of silicone sealant on the inside of the pinion splines, and slide into place. Put more silicone sealant under the washer, the nut, and on the threads. Retorque the pinion nut fairly snugly.

Mine leaked for years until I did a thorough sealing per #2 above, and it hasn't leaked since. The #1 fix is easier, perhaps, and should work just as well, and you don't have to disturb the pinion nut.

Alvon

[TulsaSpider]

You know I was thinking the same thing. Make a gasket. Thanks!