Pinion seal leaking???

[jjue]

Hmmm, seems as if my rear differential leak wasn't from the differential cover; seems to be the pinion seal. I noticed differential fluid on the driveway when changing my oil today, and it was all over the rear, as if was beling slung by the driveshaft/u-joint assemby on the rear axle. I power-cleaned the entire back, and drive around a little, and differential fluid was being slung some more. I pulled off the filler plug, and I noticed that not much fluid was left. I ended up putting in about 15 oz of friction modifier and 75W-90 synthetic gear oil before I filled it back up.

So, it seems as if I have a project during spring break that will take away at least 1 fishing day. Do I need to order just a pinion seal, or should I order bearings and other rebuild items as well? I have 78k miles. How long does it take to fix? Do I need any special tools?

Thanks, I've never done axles and differentials before since I've never had an 8.8 31 spline axle break or leak on me before. Apparently, running off the road dirt roads in downpours a couple of times, pulling fork lifts out of mud, hauling 900 lbs. of sound equipment over 2000 cumulative miles, over 4000 miles of trailer loads over 3500 lbs, and multiple burnouts have done the trick hear.

 

[ga_sport4X4]

I've had the same problem. A quick search of "pinion seals" will answer your questions. Haynes is not that descriptive concerning the pinion seals, but the guys on this site have answered all my questions.

 

[bluestream]

I think that the biggest thing to be aware of is the bearing preload that you will need to put on the crush sleve that is in there. I have the same problem, and have been putting it off because I have never done one of these before. The nut may be hard to get off as they use locktite on them. If you have an impact you should be OK. The amount of torque that goes on to the crush sleve should be the same as you have originally.

If you do the job, let us know how it went.