Replacing the pinion shaft seal

[Glen97]

97 GTS I was under the car today and noticed the pinion shaft seal is leaking. After checking out the service manual I see its calling for a few special tools. Have any of you replaced the seal before and is there any do's or dont's. Whats the size of the pinion nut?

Thanks,
Glen

 

[Vic]

by pinion, you mean the fronk crank seal?

I used to know what a pinion was.....

 

[uvbnbit]

Pinion seal in differential?
Don't over-torque collapsable spacer (crush sleeve). It'll put too much pressure on bearings and it'll have to be re-done. Local dealer/Viper tech messed mine up, yet they claim it wasn't their fault. Long story. Short version: I've not been back to that tech.

 

[Glen97]

Pinion seal in differential?
Don't over-torque collapsable spacer (crush sleeve). It'll put too much pressure on bearings and it'll have to be re-done. Local dealer/Viper tech messed mine up, yet they claim it wasn't their fault. Long story. Short version: I've not been back to that tech.

Yes the Pinion seal in the differential. The manuel says to tighten to 200-220 ft lbs.

 

[uvbnbit]

Yes the Pinion seal in the differential. The manuel says to tighten to 200-220 ft lbs.

Are you sure that's not "inch lbs" double check it.

 

[SR 27]

Take a center punch and mark the nut,pinion, and yoke. Take the nut off, tap yoke off with soft hammer and replace the seal. Align marks on yoke and pinion and reinstall yoke. A little blue loc-tite on threads and reinstall nut, tightening until punch marks on nut and pinion line up. Don't forget to clean seal surface on yoke and add a little lube before reinstalling. And yes, it is foot pounds.

 

[Glen97]

Take a center punch and mark the nut,pinion, and yoke. Take the nut off, tap yoke off with soft hammer and replace the seal. Align marks on yoke and pinion and reinstall yoke. A little blue loc-tite on threads and reinstall nut, tightening until punch marks on nut and pinion line up. Don't forget to clean seal surface on yoke and add a little lube before reinstalling. And yes, it is foot pounds.

Thanks for the help!

Glen

 

[SR 27]

Hope it helps. Don't forget new straps and bolts for the driveshaft u-joint hook up at the yoke.

 

[Glen97]

Hope it helps. Don't forget new straps and bolts for the driveshaft u-joint hook up at the yoke.

Got them,
Thanks

 

[Grisoman]

Was R&Ring brake pads and hoses yesterday and noticed diff lube had been thrown onto the exhaust pipes and underbody. The diff itself was squeaky clean, but oil was visible on the yoke/U-joint. No dripping or garage floor spotting whatsoever (note to others: get under the rear end every now and then to check for leakage). Anyone else done this seal replacement on their back? Is it safe or possible to torque to 200 ft-lbs with the Viper on jack stands? Is there a new and improved seal? The Viper has 9100 miles.

 

[Garron]

Make sure the oil is not leaking between the pinion yoke and pinion. It will look like the oil is coming from the pinion nut. Vipers are bad for this. You need to remove the yoke and add sealant to the splines of the yoke if this is what is leaking.

If you overtighten the nut you will damage the diff. The best way at home is mark the position of the nut and center of the pinion shaft. "note we are not talking about marking the nut to the position of the yoke, the yoke does not have a master spline and will not end up in the same position.

After you change the seal or add sealant to the splines (or both) install the yoke, use lock tight on the nut. Put the nut back in the same location and try to end up with the nut mark 1mm tighter then it was before.

If the follow this you will not damage anything, make sure you change the driveshaft bolts and straps.

Garrett

 

[Grisoman]

Make sure the oil is not leaking between the pinion yoke and pinion. It will look like the oil is coming from the pinion nut. Vipers are bad for this. You need to remove the yoke and add sealant to the splines of the yoke if this is what is leaking.

That's where it is leaking. Would the sealant be something like non-hardening Permatex? Thanks for the fix info!