Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Pinion seal leak, how hard to fix?

[Turboman]

Noticed puddle of oil under rearend today, pinion seal . It looks like take loose the drive line, remove pinion nut, slide yoke off, pry out old seal, install new seal, and put it all back. Is that it or did I miss something?

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

Turboman,



For a few weeks I thought mine was leaking. Kept adding gear oil, kept seeing the pinion wet with oil. Accidentally I discovered that the proper level for the axle is NOT the bottom of the plug. After I quit adding gear oil to the bottom of the plug the leak went away!



Trent

 

[ox1]

Then just where is the propper level and how did you discover this?



And if this is the case - then why did they put the plug so high?

 

[Todd T]

it is the bottom of the plug. you can replace them fairly easy its getting it back together without detroying your lash that's the trick. you'd be suprised how many guys dont tighten the nut down enough when DIY'n one.



I have a trick for this but i'd have to kill ya first

 

[ata]

You have it right Turboman. The bearing preload and ring and pinion gear lash are all set with shims. I would use a new pinion nut and torque it to 440 ft. lbs.