Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Pinion Seal

[rgreen]

Had the garage Replace the pinion seal on my truck but now ther seems to be more play then should be in the axel. They suggest removing shims tighten it up? Is it normal for it to loosen over time? Does this sound like the correct procedure?

Ron

 

[hsmith]

Hope they torqued the nut properly. Just a bit loose will cause your problem.

 

[rgreen]

can't see how. The Dana 80 on my truck is shimed, no compression spacer so once it is seated I can't see how it can go further.

 

[Beast2B]

just digging from the depths of my memory..... i was told once that you should snug the nut down and spin the yoke/pinion a few times to make sure everything seats properly. final torque after that.

 

[rgreen]

Thanks, Will do. Took out a shim and that removed the play. Doesn't have much spinning resistance though. Must be better than before and before seemed OK according to the drive.

 

[BDaugherty]

Dana 60/70/80 axles use shims between the inner pinion bearing and the pinion head to set pinion bearing preload. If wear on the pinion bearings is enough to allow the pinion to move around a little, then removing a few thousandths worth of shims will usually get you back into spec. If memory serves, the preload spec is measured in how many inch pounds it takes to rotate the pinion shaft. Should be around 8 for used bearings and 14 for new. This measurement would be done with the ring gear removed (it has to move to get the shims out anyway) and the bearings oiled. The pinion seal may affect this measurement, but I'm not sure how much. To be honest, if you remove just enough shims to get the play out, then you should be good with used bearings. A new pinion nut is good insurance, but unless yours is damaged or has been on and off lots of times, locktite will be fine.

 

[rgreen]

Appreciate the reinforcement. We removed a shim and replaced the nut and all now seems fine.



Thanks again

Ron