Common questions

How do you replace a pinion seal on a Chevy truck?

How do you replace a pinion seal on a Chevy truck?

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.

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.

What to do if your pinion seal is leaking?

The pinion seal leaking is a good indicator that something needs attention. If replacing your pinion seal is something you would rather leave to a professional, have one of YourMechanic’s certified technicians perform the replacement. The most popular service booked by readers of this article is Pinion Seal Replacement.

How do you remove a flange from a pinion?

To remove the flange/yoke, you will need to use a puller. Install the puller so that it is secure and will pull the flange/yoke off evenly from the pinion. The driving shaft of the puller needs to be centered as in the image above. The arms of the puller will need a solid square edge to pull on.

What is the purpose of a pinion seal?

The pinion seal, also called a pinion shaft, is designed to keep oil in and any water, dirt or debris out. 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.

What’s the best way to replace a pinion seal?

Step 1: Apply RTV silicone. Apply a thin layer of RTV silicone on the mating surface of the new seal. The mating surface will in most cases have an orange or green sealing surface. Step 2: Install the new pinion seal. Position the seal according to how it needs to be installed against the axle housing.

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.

How do you remove a seal from a transmission?

Using a mallet or plastic hammer, strike the end of the driveline away from the flange. Once the driveline is separated from the flange, you can either tie it up and out of the way or remove it completely from the transmission. Note: If you decide to remove the driveline, place a drain pan underneath the end of the transmission.

To remove the flange/yoke, you will need to use a puller. Install the puller so that it is secure and will pull the flange/yoke off evenly from the pinion. The driving shaft of the puller needs to be centered as in the image above. The arms of the puller will need a solid square edge to pull on.

What does a pinion seal do on a differential?

A pinion seal keeps oil in the differential and keeps water, dirt, and debris out. A failing pinion seal will leak which can ruin the differential. Average rating from 31 customers who received a Pinion Seal Replacement. The pinion seal, also called a pinion shaft, is designed to keep oil in and any water, dirt or debris out.

What happens when a pinion seal goes bad?

A failing pinion seal will leak which can ruin the differential. Average rating from 31 customers who received a Pinion Seal Replacement. The pinion seal, also called a pinion shaft, is designed to keep oil in and any water, dirt or debris out.

What’s the best way to replace a seal?

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.

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.

A pinion seal keeps oil in the differential and keeps water, dirt, and debris out. A failing pinion seal will leak which can ruin the differential. Average rating from 31 customers who received a Pinion Seal Replacement. The pinion seal, also called a pinion shaft, is designed to keep oil in and any water, dirt or debris out.

A failing pinion seal will leak which can ruin the differential. Average rating from 31 customers who received a Pinion Seal Replacement. The pinion seal, also called a pinion shaft, is designed to keep oil in and any water, dirt or debris out.

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.

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.

What are the symptoms of a bad pinion seal?

Over time, the rubber on the pinion seal wears down and the seal will not be effective as it was before. Each time your vehicle is serviced, the pinion seal should be inspected to ensure there are no symptoms of a bad or failing pinion seal. 1. Leaking pinion seal One of the biggest signs your pinion seal is failing is it is leaking.

What to do if you have a pinion seal leak?

To check for a leak, follow the drive shaft to the rear axle, then look around the yoke for fresh oil. 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.

Are there different pinion seals for GM rear differentials?

Everyone has or will have this problem when installing a new pinion seal in your 12-bolt GM rear differential, but Hagerty’s Davin Reckow is here to help. GM made two different versions of the 12-bolt rear end: one for trucks, and one for cars. This means two different pinion seals.

What happens if the pinion seal on a Chevy truck leaks?

If the pinion seal begins to leak, the fluid level can drop enough to damage those internal components and result in an expensive repair. Raise the rear of your Chevy off the ground with a jack and position a set of jack stands under the axle housing. Lower the jack and allow the truck to settle onto the jack stands.

When do you need a new pinion seal?

You may need a new pinion seal if you hear a whining noise while driving, or if you notice leaks or low fluid in your differential. Replacing the differential seal can assure that your differential has plenty of fluid, which can help it last the life of your vehicle.

How do you replace a seal on a Chevy truck?

Drive the seal into the bore with a seal driver and hammer than slide the yoke back onto the pinion shaft, making sure the marks you made on the yoke and shaft align. Install the pinion nut and tighten it, seating the yoke on the shaft.

How big is socket for rear axle pinion nut?

I found a big 1 7/16″ wrench at a cheapo tool store in town and brought it home, it’s a bit too large, and it’s just not gonna happen with a box end wrench anyways. Any Chevy techs out there??? I have a leaking pinion seal on the rear axle and need to get a socket to remove the nut.

The pinion seal leaking is a good indicator that something needs attention. If replacing your pinion seal is something you would rather leave to a professional, have one of YourMechanic’s certified technicians perform the replacement. The most popular service booked by readers of this article is Pinion Seal Replacement.

How often does a pinion seal need to be replaced?

“If the drive axle utilizes a crush-type sleeve to achieve pinion bearing preload, the pinion flange can only be removed 1 time before crush-type sleeve must be replaced”. Click to expand… Is that 11.5 specific?

Do you need crush sleeve to replace pinion seal?

No, GM requires all with crush sleeve. I wonder how many people measure and record the pinion rotating torque so that 0.40-0.57nm , 3-5 lb in can be add to it when the pinion yoke is reinstalled? If the combined torque is exceeded the sleeve has to be replaced. Preload is taken with axles pulled and dif. drained.

Is there a way to fix a leaking pinion seal?

The solution to this problem is installing the available truck version of the pinion seal using a spacer or leaving a gap. This is the only way to ensure a quality seal with the yoke. Watch the video, solve your leaky rear differential problem, and maybe even be the hero and your next local Cars & Coffee…

Author Image
Ruth Doyle