Pinion Seal

REMOVAL & REPLACEMENT

1997–98 MPV

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the precautions in the beginning of this section.
2. Drain the differential gear lubricant.
3. Remove or disconnect the following:
   • Driveshaft
   • Wheels
   • Brake calipers

   NOTE: The brake calipers must be removed so that there is no additional drag when measuring pinion bearing preload.

4. Use an inch lb. torque wrench and measure the amount of torque required to maintain pinion rotation through several revolutions.
5. Remove the pinion flange and remove the seal.

   To install:

6. Install or connect the following:
   • Pinion seal and flange
   • New pinion flange nut
7. Rotate the pinion flange occasionally while tightening the flange nut to make sure the pinion bearings seat correctly.
8. Take frequent bearing preload torque readings.
9. Tighten the pinion nut to achieve the bearing preload torque measured before disassembly.

   CAUTION
   Never loosen the pinion nut to reduce bearing preload. If it is necessary to reduce bearing preload, install a new collapsible spacer and pinion nut.

10. Install or connect the following:
    • Driveshaft
    • Brake calipers
    • Wheels
11. Fill the differential with gear lubricant and check for leaks.