Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Leaking pinion seal.....

[thendrex]

I was under the truck this afternoon and noticed that my pinion seal is starting to leak. Can I change the seal or do I have to change the yolk as well? Is there anything I need to know when if I have to change the yolk? Or anything in general when changing the seal? Guess I'll change the u joints while I'm there... Thanks for the info guys...

 

[pro99]

leaking seal

Thendrex, how many miles are on the truck? Check the backlash and try to move the yoke up and down before removing it. Just want to check and see if the bearings are going out. The bearings won’t make noise every time. If everything looks ok before removing anything mark the pinion nut to gear and mark the yoke to nut and gear. Put the yoke on the same way it came off and align the marks up so you don’t take out any bearing down the road. I would have to say your not going to have to replace the yoke. The only time I had to replace one it was a defect from the factory. They still can have a very small grove in them and seal just fine. Just take a peace of scotch bright over it and you should be fine. But remember to put it on the same way it came off. Do not use an impact on it to install!! Make sure all your mark align up too!!

 

[mschoenheider]

Your pinion seals are pretty easy to change. First drop your drive shaft , then hold the yoke with a pipe wrench and remove the pinion nut. The nut will be torques to around 400 ftlbs, so it might be hard to get off. A two jaw puller might make getting the yoke off easier, but a hammer will work if you don't have a puller. Next, pull out the old seal and drive in the new one. A large socket works well for driving in the new seal. After the seal is fully seated, just slide the yoke back on and reinstall the nut. Some people recommend using a new nut, but I have never had a problem using the old nut. Torque the nut as much as you can, and put your drive shaft back up. You do not need a new yoke, but you may want to clean up the old one at the sealing surface before you re-install it.

Hope that helps.

Mark

 

[thendrex]

Pinion seal

Thanks Proturbo. I wasn't sure if I needed to change the yolk due to the seal wearing a groove. Since I can't use an impact. how much torque do I put on this? Thanks for you help!

 

[thendrex]

Pinion.

I forgot... . I have 150k

 

[pro99]

leak

You need to mark the nut to the pinion. Take a small chisel and hammer with the chisel on the end of the gear make a small mark but not on the tread part and put one on the nut at the same place. When you go back together with it align up the marks and you should be fine.



I sent you a pm!!

 

[mschoenheider]

You don't need to mark the nut on the pinion, torque it to the recommended spec, on your 60 that is 215 to 315 lbft and on your 70 that is 220 to 280 lbft. Marking the relative position of the pinion to the yoke is something I forgot in my first post. Also mark the relative position of the ujoint to yoke.

Mark

 

[thendrex]

pinion seal

Thanks for all the helpful info guys. I'm going to try to tackle it this week and get it behind me! Got to get it ready for summer!

 

[pro99]

LEAK

I have worked as a heavy mechanic for over 15 years and in that time if I could have a dime for every bearing failure that some tech try to put new preload on old bearings I would be rich!!! I have seen tech's put the same preload on old bearings that they would on new ones . once a bearing seats it self it best off to leave it alone don't try to take it back to if it was a new bearing because it's not. The bearing doesn’t have that room to reset it self . I have worked with Dana personally when I worked for GM and DC ,,,, the rule still stands!!!! :-{}



Dana 80 Axle Torque Specs

Description Torque

Fill Hole Plug 25 ft. lbs. (34 Nm)

Bolt, Differential Cover 30 ft. lbs. (41 Nm)

Bolt, Bearing Cap 80 ft. lbs. (108 Nm)

Nut Pinion-Minimum 450-500 ft. lbs. (597-678 Nm)

Bolt, Ring Gear 200-240 ft. lbs. (272-325 Nm)

Bolt, Axle to hub 90 ft. lbs. (123 Nm)

Hub Nut 120-140 ft. lbs. (163-190 Nm)

RWAL/ABS Sensor Bolt 18 ft. lbs (24 Nm)

TRAC-LOK Case Bolt

Standard 65-70 ft. lbs. (89-94 Nm)

Heavy Duty 90-100 ft. lbs. (122-136 Nm)

 

[John Berger]

Check the yoke for wear. When you pull it out check to see if there is a groove where the seal sat. If there is, replace the yoke as well as the seal.

 

[Bob4x4]

I guess I will chime in here too. No one has mentioned that if you find a groove worn into the pinion another option is to add a wear sleeve.

You also didn't mention if you had a 70 or an 80,If you have the 80 make sure you have the tools necessary to achieve the proper torque before tearing it down. I don't think I would remove the yoke with a hammer as someone here suggested. Use the correct tools and you will have nothing to worry about. Good luck.



Bob