Drive Pinion Seal

Drive Pinion Seal

Special Tool(s):

Material:

Removal

CAUTION: This operation disturbs the differential pinion bearing preload. Carefully reset the preload during assembly.

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Maintenance/Service and Repair.
2. Index-mark the front driveshaft and pinion flange.





3. CAUTION: Do not allow the driveshaft to hang unsupported.

Disconnect the front driveshaft from the pinion flange, and position it aside.
1. Remove the bolts and the universal joint spider retainers.
2. Disconnect the front driveshaft from the pinion flange.
3. Position the front driveshaft aside.





4. Measure the pinion bearing preload.
^ Using a Nm (inch-pound) torque wrench, measure the torque required to maintain pinion rotation. Record the measurement.





5. Index-mark the pinion flange and the pinion stem.





6. Use the special tool to hold the pinion flange while removing the nut.





7. CAUTION: Place a drain pan under the differential housing.

Using the special tool, remove the pinion flange.





8. Inspect the pinion flange for burrs and damage. Inspect the end of the pinion flange that contacts the bearing cone, the nut counterbore and the seal surface for nicks. Discard the pinion flange as necessary.
9. Using the special tool and a suitable impact slide hammer, remove the pinion seal.





10. Remove the front axle drive pinion shaft oil slinger and the differential pinion bearing.





11. Remove and discard the collapsible spacer.

Installation
1. Verify that the splines on the pinion stem are free of burrs. If burrs are evident, remove them with a fine crocus cloth. Work in a rotating motion to wipe the pinion clean.
2. Clean the pinion seal bore.
3. Install a new collapsible spacer.
4. Install the original differential pinion bearing and the front axle drive pinion shaft oil slinger.





5. Lubricate the pinion seal.
6. Using the special tool, install the pinion seal.





7. Lubricate the pinion flange splines.

8. CAUTION: Never use a metal hammer on the pinion flange or install the flange with power tools. If necessary, use a plastic hammer to tap on a tight fitting flange.

Align the index marks and install the pinion flange.





9. Install the new pinion nut hand-tight.





10. CAUTION: Do not loosen the nut to reduce preload. Install a new collapsible spacer and nut if preload reduction is necessary.

Use the special tool to hold the pinion flange while tightening the pinion nut to set the preload.
^ Tighten the nut, rotating the pinion occasionally to ensure the differential pinion bearings are seating correctly. Take frequent differential pinion bearing preload readings by rotating the pinion with a Nm (inch-pound) torque wrench. The final reading must be 0.56 Nm (5 inch lbs.) more than the initial reading taken during removal.





11. Align the index marks and position the front driveshaft.





12. Install the universal joint retainers and bolts.
^ Tighten to 19 Nm (14 ft. lbs.)





13. Check the fluid level and, if necessary, fill the axle to specification with lubricant.
14. Lower the vehicle.