Here I am

What do I need to know about changing a pinion seal?

Attention: TDR Forum Junkies
To the point: Click this link and check out the Front Page News story(ies) where we are tracking the introduction of the 2025 Ram HD trucks.

Thanks, TDR Staff

Who sells a quality turbo blanket?

Noise Killer... dynomat, floormats, insulation

Status
Not open for further replies.

RSchwarzli

TDR MEMBER
The pinion seal is leaking on the rear diff of the 1990. I looked in the service manual but does not give the procedure for just seal replacement. Only shows if you have the entire section ripped apart.



Also, seems to be a lot of concern around correct procedure for nut torquing and the replacement of the nut. Can someone clarify a bit for me?



Thanks.
 
During initial setup, IIRC Dana used Crush sleeves to setup gear spacing(pinion depth). It takes between 300-400lbs torque to crush these sleeves. If shims are used, which is usually only if they've been rebuilt by a good shop, it won't matter. But if you can get yours off, when you put it back together, don't go much over 200lbs and you should be good. Pull the nut, thread seal, yoke, seal, install seal, wear sleeve(if needed), yoke, thread seal, and nut, and torque to around 200-250lbs, and you're good. I usually only go to 175-200ftlbs with the 3/4 impact gun and it's worked so far. I'm paranoid about the nut backing off the first few weeks, but it hasn't happened, yet. I did a Dana 80 last week, several others since the first of the year, and countles others this way. When you put it back together, see if the seal under the nut is all chewed up. If it is, try to find another or just "sillycone" the snot out of it. Not many people carry them. I get mine from Randy's Ring & Pinion. The Differential Experts. Auto Parts & Services. My account manager is Ken Knudson, ext 5508, if you decide to order parts. I'll warn you, on the Dana 60, well, all of them, really, you'll probably have to use a light duty socket, as most impact sockets won't fit down into the yoke far enough to engage the shoulders on the nut. I've got a cheap set of Harbor Freight 3/4" sockets I use just for that... . ;) Oh, and you'll probably want a slide hammer to get the yoke off if it's been on there a while and been behind a Cummins, or gear puller, whatever you have.



Also, most parts house seals use a single lip seal, so I go with either the Dodge or get 'em from Randy's. Mentioning wear sleeves at the local store will get you a dumb look, usually. Also, check to make sure your vent tube isn't stopped up. I've fixed many wheel seal leaks by blowing it out and cleaning it up.
 
Last edited:
Good info HH! Maybe I just found another project for winter. The punkin on mine is a little wet, not sure how much it leaks. I filled it 5 years ago and haven't checked it since. Bad Andy... . :eek: But, I've only put 5k miles on the truck.
 
Wow! HH the tech author! Thanks!



All hail HH! Hail! Hail! :-laf





That is great. Seal is changed. USed a 3/4 inpact to get the nut off, pulled the yoke off with rubber mallet, pulled seal, installed new one, used yoke with spline seal still installed, cleaned up exterior of yoke, and re-installed. Torqued to two fiddy. Then went for 300 mile drive! :-laf



Very easy job really. Taked abot 15 min or so with the right tools. I will agree with the 3/4" drive sockets. Did wonders.
 
Wow! HH the tech author! Thanks!



All hail HH! Hail! Hail! :-laf





That is great. Seal is changed. USed a 3/4 inpact to get the nut off, pulled the yoke off with rubber mallet, pulled seal, installed new one, used yoke with spline seal still installed, cleaned up exterior of yoke, and re-installed. Torqued to two fiddy. Then went for 300 mile drive! :-laf



Very easy job really. Taked abot 15 min or so with the right tools. I will agree with the 3/4" drive sockets. Did wonders.



PUHlease!! You learn these things when you break it!! I'm too anal to take it to someone else!! And don't forget to check the vent line!!



I'm no author like you!! Your articles are top notch! I'm just an idiot who figured out how to piece it back together. Sometimes by not doing it right the first time. It's hard for me to stay focused to long!!



Hey, I said a slide hammer. For me, that's often slide under the truck and hammer on it!! :D



Yes, bad Andy!! 5,000 miles is shameful!! That truck has to feel neglected!!
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top