Fleetwood Meadow Posted June 23, 2018 Share Posted June 23, 2018 This is my first time replacing a pressed seal so I’m looking for some guide lines and tips. It is the pinion seal at the front of the rear axle on my 51 Meadowbrook. When I went under I saw oil sprayed in a straight light around the front of the axle. I called Andy Bernbaum since I’m going there Monday to pick some stuff up and they said it was the front seal. Is there an easy way to take it out? How about any lubricants/sealers for installation? I’ve never taken apart an axle, am I in for any surprises? I’m also going to replace the differential gasket as that leaks too. What’s the best way to clean the differential once I have it open? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom_in_nh Posted June 23, 2018 Share Posted June 23, 2018 Major warning: Make sure that you reinstall pinion nut at the exact location prior to removal. Others will chime in with more tips. Good luck. Tom 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted June 23, 2018 Share Posted June 23, 2018 Suggest you get a repair manual. Pinion seals can be tricky. Most rear axles have a crush spacer to set the pinion gear clearance. You must put the yoke back exactly as it was and tighten the nut very carefully not to lose the adjustment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
c49er Posted June 23, 2018 Share Posted June 23, 2018 (edited) Lucky for you... no crush sleeve on your Dodge. Still prick punch your pinion nut, flange and drive pinion shaft to re-tighten the nut to where it was + a tiny tiny fraction of a turn tighter. Install the cotter pin in a nice way too! If you don't have an impact gun to remove the nut you will have to figure your own way to firmly hold the drive pinion flange from turning while removing and installing the flange nut. I always install pinion nuts by hand to control and feel the install. I use a professional holding tool. If you are handy you can make something up. If you just try blocking the tires and try to remove/ install the pinion nut the car will move up on the chocks. Edited June 23, 2018 by c49er (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JACK M Posted June 24, 2018 Share Posted June 24, 2018 Those seals can be difficult to get out. Here is a trick that I use. Drill a small hole in the metal part, then run a screw into that hole. Now you can pull it out with a claw hammer or a crows foot. If it doesn't work the first time you can drill another hole, but I think that if you do it right you will be pleasantly surprised. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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