Ring & pinion seal replace

[RCMerrill]

My rear pinion seal is starting to leak can I replace it with out massing up the preload .

 

[BILTIT]

Yes, but there is a risk of having problems down the road.

Personally i measure the rotational torque before disassembly, replace seal and tighten nut until rotational torque is the same (or a tad tighter).

Some do not like this approach, it has worked for me.

 

[sag2]

If it is weeping leave it alone. If it is actually dripping you can replace it using the method BILTIT suggested. To measure the turning torque properly you also need to slide the axle shafts out of the differential several inches to get that load off the ring and pinion. You also need a dial inch pound torque wrench.

 

[diesel_driver]

The factory service manual lists the procedure as follows:

1. Remove the unit hub bearings and axle shafts
2. Spin the pinion several times
3. Using a dial inch meter, measure the torque to turn the pinion
4. Remove the pinion flange and replace the pinion seal and sleeve
5. Reassemble the pinion flange, but don't tighten the nut. Just lightly snug it up
6. Spin the pinion several times
7. Measure the torque to turn the pinion
8. Tighten the pinion nut in very small increments, checking the torque required to spin the pinion
9. Tighten the nut until the required force to spin the pinion is between 3-5 inch pounds greater than the measurement taken in step 3

This procedure is listed in the 2004 Dodge factory service manual

 

[cerberusiam]

There is the FSM way, then there is the field technique; mark the nut and flange then align the marks when it is installed.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

see TDR Issue 67.