Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Pinion seal on dana 80 ?

[Mschevey]

I just had to replace the pinion seal on the rear axle of my truck. When I was talking to the mechanic at the local dealer about it and the 3 different versions that are used. He said that he has replaced a number of these seals.



It is not to difficult, the hardest thing is to re-torque the nut on the pinion shaft.



How many have heard of this seal leaking or had it leak on their trucks?



Mike Schevey

 

[Texas Diesel]

mine started seeping at 40k and then quit. Recently it has started seeping again.

 

[TPCDrafting]

Mine leaked too, somewhere around 60k-80k, cant remember for sure. I've kept an eye on it and it hasn't leaked since. I think it's a common problem.

 

[georgej]

Yep , mine's leaking at 38k mi. I'm going to drop the lube level down a little to see if it'll help.



George

 

[tarussell]

Usually , a leaking seal is a sign of a problem. It could be that the rubber just got dry and brittle or the yoke has a grove in it.

Most of the time it is a slight vibration problem from various things;Ex. bad bearings ( pinion ), out of balance drive shafts, bad u-joints, u-joints out of phase,bad carrier bearing or carrier bearing mount on the two piece drive shaft,or u-joint bind.



If your seal was leaking prematurely and it wasn't just a bum seal, keep on looking for the culprit. HTH, Thomas

 

[Slow Six]

Pinion seal Dana 80

I have gone through about 6 of these seals. I was using CR seals and new speedy sleeves each time, proper torque etc. . I started examining the seals more carefully and I could see that a small rib of the seal was coming off. I changed to a different brand of seal and the problem has gone away. The last seal I installed has stayed dry for about 6 months now so I think it will hold. The first seal blew because the vent was plugged. I always inspect the vent outlet when I service the truck. When the second seal let loose I pulled the vent fitting out of the differential tube and found that it was plugged. I now check this fitting on a regular basis as well as the vent outlet. Also when ordering the speedy sleeve get one that is longer than normal to be sure there is lots of surface area for the new seal to contact. I bought a torque multiplier for torquing the nut. It is nice to use especialy when working on the floor rather than on a hoist or over a pit. Good luck.

 

[claymike]

Mine only does it if I am towing and going around 75 mph with the 5er. Does it every year on vacation then stops.

 

[Mschevey]

Well at least I know I am not alone... .



I went to the dealer for the part and there is 3 styles used on the 2500's. Mine actually has a extra lip on it that rides against the back of the yoke.



Has anyone check with Dana On this. I think the seal should be part of the assembly they provide and I know they have a good reputation to uphold?



I do pull heavy 20-22K a few times a year and the truck is my daily driver. I have 47,000 miles on in about 17 months.



Mike Schevey

 

[tarussell]

Every time I get a Genuine Dana gear set it comes with the pinion seal and sometimes they come with two styles of seals ( different style yokes ). Go to a Spicer parts drive line shop and get the Dana seal ( it's cheaper than the dealer ) and usually comes with a new pinion nut.

 

[rkressg]

Mine has been leaking since 25,000 miles. A always change the fluid every 12,000. 50,000 miles later, I have not had any problems I just keep it full. It is a pain to change that seal so I will wait till it completely fails before I tear it apart.

 

[RJOL]

Had mine replaced at about 21K, by the dealer. I now have about 28K on the truck and it hasn't leaked since...

 

[John Berger]

I went through a bunch of these seals. My problem ended up being the axle housing, which was replaced under warranty. That was in the summer of 2001. No leaks since. I had leaky tailshaft housing seals, also. I did the last install on that one. No leaks since. It's a different, beefier seal as well.

 

[Mr. Brewski]

Mine leaked at 33K - they replaced it - Leaked again a week later - they replaced it again along with the yoke. No more leaks and 73K miles.

 

[C Schomer]

Mine never leaked even when the pinion preload was down to nearly nothing. I punched out the seal, put in new bearings, hammered the seal straight again and reused it (Saturday late PM). Still dry! Craig

 

[Mundgyver]

74,855 miles so far and no leaks so far.

 

[COBRAJET]

Mine has been leaking since 45K. It has 67K now. It is a very slow leak... takes about a month to get back to the housing. I plan on getting it fixed soon... . if I could get out of it long enough... CJ

 

[andrewkoperdak]

Mine leaked at 11,000. My 5spd was leaking also. I had them fix em both ... no problems since