Topic: Pinion Seal Question

[blackdiamond]

I am asking this question so that I can advise a friend about what to do with his Jeep Cherokee.  He took his truck to the dealer for a $9.95 oil change and safety inspection.  As expected, they made a list of about $1,100 dollars worth of item to be repaired.  Some of them make perfect sense, such as a transmission service since he hammers on his truck, but some of the others seem less expected/important.

They said that both pinion seals were leaking.  It seems that as long as he isn't losing a bunch of fluid it shouldn't really matter much.  My Toy has minor leaks at both pinions, but not enough to really see any drop in fluid level.  I told him to get some thicker gear oil and see how it does.  He is concerned primarily about his front ARB, but doesn't have the cash flow for shop work right now and I don't think he has any business attempting it himself.  Any thoughts?

[Rocksurfer]

Just keep an eye on them, how often do they require oil?  If it ain't that bad I would worry about it, just top them of now and then.

[Willy Mammoth]

If it isn't too bad and he doesn't go in deep water it should be ok. Just keep an eye on the fluid level and make sure it doesn't have any water in it.

The seal should be easy enough to change, but you need to watch the pre load on the bearings when putting it back together.

[blackdiamond [OP]]

Can the seal be changed without pulling the carrier?

[Willy Mammoth]

Should be able to use a j bar or screwdriver to pull it out. It is just behind the driveshaft flange/yolk.

[Willy Mammoth]

Make sure there is no groove in the flange or yolk were the seal rides, if there is replace it.

Be careful don to damage the new seal when you hammer it in.

[blackdiamond [OP]]

I don't plan to do the work, mostly just trying to see how critical it is.  Thanks for the help! 

[79coyotefrg]

just run some 90wt  and keep a eye on it