Pinion Seal

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the precautions in the beginning of this section.
2. Drain the axle housing fluid.
3. Remove or disconnect the following:
   • Negative battery cable
   • Rear wheels
   • Driveshaft
   • Brake calipers and pads or brake drum

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

4. Use an inch lb. torque wrench and measure and record the amount of torque required to maintain pinion rotation through several revolutions.
5. Remove or disconnect the following:
   • Pinion flange
   • Pinion seal
   • Pinion bearing
   • Collapsible spacer

   To install:

   NOTE: Use a new collapsible spacer and flange nut for assembly.

6. Install or connect the following:
   • Collapsible spacer
   • Pinion bearing
   • Pinion seal
   • Pinion flange
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. Tighten the flange nut to achieve the preload torque readings originally recorded.

   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.

9. Install or connect the following:
   • Driveshaft
   • Brake calipers and pads or brake drum
   • Wheels
   • Negative battery cable
10. Fill the differential with gear lubricant and check for leaks.