Pinion Seals

[tk1218]

After wheeling 2X, looks like the pinion seals on the 44 and the 9 inch are both leaking. How hard are those to replace as compared to replacing the front transfer case seal?

Any hints?

Thanks.

 

[englewoodcowboy]

The hard part is removing/replacing the yokes. Overtighten and you can compress the crush sleeve too much. I do not recommend using an impact for them, I take the nut off marking it and counting revolutions to replace it exactly as it was. Other than that, get a seal puller, looks like a plate steel hammer with a pick on each end, you use the appropriate size hook to get on the inside of the seal and pop it out. Carefully tap a new seal in and replace the yoke, just be sure to wipe a little oil on the seal and carefully work the yoke in so you don't damage the seal and your done. Sounds harder than it is but it is a simple job.

 

[Nightmare Bronc]

Check the yokes to see if they have a groove worn in them. If so get wear sleeves for them.

 

[Oatmeal]

D44 seal is a breeze zap yoke off, replace the seal and zap the yoke back on.......no crush sleeve. 9" a little more work in that it has a crush sleeve and it is important to get the preload back to where it was. You could remove the whole pinion assembly (easy only 5 bolts) clamp it in a vise and with an inch pound torque wrench measure and record the turning torque, remove the yoke and replace the seal, replace yoke and tighten pinion nut (I'd use Loctite or a new nut) just enough to achieve the same turning torque as before (you wrote it down right?) that way you should be able to avoid replacing the crush sleeve. However, it would be a good time to replace that crush sleeve with a solid spacer and shims since you have it out Oh, and like Nightmare Bronc mentioned, if there is a wear groove on the yoke seal areas, get a repair sleeve (Speedi Sleeve) or you'll be doing it again------Hans

 

[tk1218]

Thanks, I have not pulled it apart yet. I learned to ask first before I just go for it.

 

[KyleQ]

Just ensure the sealing surface is VERY smooth and lube it when you put it back together.

Find yourself a seal puller like this to make your job easy -

I did the rear pinion seal on my D70 in the front yard with a power tank and this tool, took about 20 minutes to complete. Pop the yolk off, put the tool in and yank - my seal hit the front axle it popped out so fast. Use a piece of wood to pound the new seal in - pound until the pitch changes, it will be obvious.

 

[stupidboy]

Sounds hard.