What is a pinion leak?
What is a pinion leak?
The pinion seal, also called a pinion shaft, is designed to keep oil in and any water, dirt or debris out. A failed pinion seal can result in a minor leak where fluid seeps out, or a major leak that can ruin the differential bearings and gears.
When to know if you have a pinion seal leak?
If you notice fresh oil, you have a pinion seal leak. As soon as you notice this, contact the professionals at YourMechanic to have the pinion seal replaced. 2. Differential has low fluid If you notice your differential has low fluid, chances are it is leaking from the pinion seal.
What happens if a pinion seal fails on a differential?
As long as the pinion seal is in place and performing well, the differential will stay in good shape and operate as it is supposed to. A failed pinion seal can result in a minor leak where fluid seeps out, or a major leak that can ruin the differential bearings and gears.
Why do I have a leak in my rack and pinion?
However, it is more likely that your power steering system will develop a leak at one of the seals on your rack and pinion. There is a seal where your steering column enters the rack and pinion assembly, then a seal where each tie rod attaches.
Where does a pinion seal go?
The pinion seal is located inside differentials of vehicles. The pinion seal is located near the pinion shaft and is designed so that fluid does not leak out of the differential.
How serious is a pinion seal leak?
There are two problems to consider with a pinion seal leak. First, obviously you are losing fluid from the diffential. With reduced capacity of differential fluid, your ring and pinion gears lose cooling and lubrication, which will cause the gears and bearings to overheat and can catastrophicly fail.
Why is my rear pinion seal leaking?
Rear main seal leak causes Worn main bearings. If your vehicle has worn main bearings, the crankshaft is able to move excessively inside the bearings which will stretch and move the rear main seal while Clogged or blocked PCV system. Most rear main seals have a lip that rides on the shaft. Engine oil condition. Crankshaft condition. Misalignment issues. Seal coating.
What would cause a rack and pinion to leak?
The most common cause of rack and pinion seal leakage is a result of the power steering pump over-heating. When the pump over-heats, it causes the fluid temperatures to rise to a point where it damages the seals not only in the pump, but in the rack and pinions as well.
How do you replace front pinion seal?
Slide the pinion yoke off the pinion shaft and set it aside. Using a small flat screwdriver, bend the outer metal ring of the seal to help loosen it then pry it out of the bore. Pack the cavity behind the seal with lithium grease then install the new seal into the bore.
