I've had a leaky pinion seal for some time and it's now made it to the top of my fix it list. I've never had the rear end apart other than to change the fluid a few times and install a mac rear end cover. I imagine this seal is something that will have to be changed by a shop since the rear end has so many specific clearances. I also figure that now is the time to change gears. The car is an m6 and if I swap gears I'll be installing a set of 3.73's (I have enough traction problems as it is so 4.11's are out and I also don't want even more fragile gears that come with taller ratio's). Anyways, is the seal something that should be done by a shop? Is it the time to install some new gears? What brand is most DURABLE? (I don't car about noise I have 3" duals w/o mufflers) Should I also have a solid spacer installed at this time? Oh, and the cover - I installed it with the hardware that came with it - I didn't buy any "stud kit" I don't even know what the heck the stud kit is and why it's so much better than the bolt type girdle setup that came with the cover.. can someone explain this to me?

I should mention that I'm not afraid of doing the work myself I just know that gears are something to be done by a professional.. If the seal is something simple to do that can be done at home without special tools then say so and I'll do it (I've already done a lot of work myself - replaced clutch 3 times and installed hooker LT's).

 

Back to the top.

Someone please just tell me how to change the pinion seal or if I need to take it to a shop. I've already done a search and nowhere is there a post describing removal/replacement of the seal.

 

I personaly would not fuss with the gears.

the stud kit for the cover is a pre load for the bearing caps to keep them from stressing.

the seal is easy to change man.. remove the driveshaft, paint a mark stright down over the pinion shaft, nut, washer, and then flange. this is your refference mark, now count the number of exposed threads, this is your second reference. Next remove the 1 1/4" pinion nut. pull the companion flange out (you might have to very lightly tap on the back of it) now the seal is right there. use a puller to get it out. then take the new seal and hit it in with a hammer and a very large socket. replace the flange, then the washer and nut, tighten the nut untill your marks are lined up and the same number of threads are exposed. now thighten it just a little bit past the mark. replace the driveshaft and your done