Pinion seal change

[RoyBatty]

Is it possible to change the seal on the pinion without upsetting the setup of the differential?

[124JOE]

[RoyBatty]

thanks Joe, but I already have drawings of the assembly. what I need to know is whether or not the clearances between the ring and pinion will change as a result of me pulling the yoke detention nut to change the pinion seal.

[jimincalif]

I have no idea, but on a recent episode of Wheeler Dealers, Edd changed the seal, I think it was on a Jag. Before disassembling, he marked the position of the nut, and then reinstalled it just back to that same position so that it would not change anything.

FWIW, from a non-mechanic watching a TV show!

[vandor]

In theory you are supposed to replace the crush sleeve every time you loosen the pinion nut. However, many people, as well as I, have just marked where the nut is on the pinion (not the flange, as that can be installed at different angles) and then tightened it back to the same place, or just a hair tighter. It's not the 'proper' way, but it has worked many times.

[RoyBatty]

Thanks guys, that's what I needed to know.
Csaba, you and Ramzi will be hearing from me again soon.

[engineerted]

I too have done this, but why was the seal leaking in the first place? Most likely, the bearings have worn and lost most of its preload and the results is a worn out seal. Take note when you dissassmble it, look to see if the crush sleeve was spining against the bearing faces. This is a good indicator if you should replace the bearings and sleeve.

The clearances between the ring and pinion will not change as a result of you removing the nut, the clearance is set by a shim between the rear bearing and pinion. Too loose or too tight of a preload will damage the bearing thus resulting in pinion/ring failure. Now backlash is set by the carrier bearings.

Are you planing to pull the pig out of the rear end or do it in place?

[RoyBatty]

In my case the car was parked for two decades and things like seals have dried up a bit.
I plan to slide the axles out far enough to remove the 3rd member.