change a pinion seal - Discussion thread

[rangerwheelinmike]

Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions Section.
Drain the axle housing fluid.
Remove or disconnect the following:

Rear wheels
Driveshaft
Brake calipers and pads or brake drum

NOTE
The brake calipers and pads or brake drum must be removed so that there is no additional drag when measuring pinion bearing preload.

Use an inch lb. torque wrench and measure and record the amount of torque required to maintain pinion rotation through several revolutions.

Remove or disconnect the following:
Pinion flange
Pinion seal
Pinion bearing
Collapsible spacer

To install:
NOTE
Use a new collapsible spacer and flange nut for assembly.
Install or connect the following:
Collapsible spacer
Pinion bearing
Pinion seal
Pinion flange

Rotate the pinion flange occasionally while tightening the flange nut to make sure the pinion bearings seat correctly.
Take frequent bearing preload torque readings. Tighten the flange nut to achieve the preload torque readings originally recorded.

CAUTION
Never loosen the pinion nut to reduce bearing preload. If it is necessary to reduce bearing preload, install a new collapsible spacer and pinion nut.
Install or connect the following:

Driveshaft
Brake calipers and pads or brake drum
Wheels
Fill the differential with gear lubricant and check for leaks.
information courtsey of chiltonlibrary.com