Alphabetical Index

Drive Train
REAR AXLE

Oil Seals

The rear differential carrier has three oil seals. The front oil seal is located behind the flange which connects to the driveshaft. The two side oil seals are at the union of the axle shaft yokes and the differential. All of these seals can be replaced without removing the differential carrier from the car.

Unless the rear differential is being disassembled, there is no reason to change the oil seals unless they are leaking.


REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

Pinion Seal


See Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4

Fig. 1: Measuring the companion flange turning resistance

Fig. 2: Removing the companion flange nut

Fig. 3: Removing the differential pinion seal

Fig. 4: Installing the pinion seal
  1. Drain the differential gear oil (see Section 1).
  2. Raise the rear wheels and support the car on jackstands.
  3. Remove the driveshaft as outlined earlier in this section.
  4. Measure the turning resistance of the differential companion flange. To do this, attach either a spring scale or an inch pound torque wrench to one of the mounting holes. Make sure that the flange turns smoothly, and then turn the flange through one complete revolution using the scale or torque wrench. Mark down the reading registered. It will be used during installation.
  5. Remove the drive pinion nut while holding the companion flange with a flange or pipe wrench.
  6. Remove the companion flange and oil seal with a puller.
  7. Using a drift, tap in a new oil seal.

Apply axle grease between the oil seal lips.

  1. Install the companion flange.
  2. Tighten the pinion nut to 123-145 ft. lbs. (167-196 Nm). The proper torque has been reached when the turning resistance of the companion flange is the same as it was when measured in Step 4 above.
  3. Stake the pinion nut with a punch.


Side Oil Seal


See Figure 5
Fig. 5: Removing the differential side seal-Legacy illustrated
  1. Drain the differential oil (see Section 1).
  2. Raise the rear wheels and support the car on jackstands.
  3. Remove the side yolk retaining bolt and pull the side yolk out of the differential carrier.
  4. Extract the oil seal with a puller.
  5. Using a drift, tap in a new oil seal.

Apply axle grease between the oil seal lips.

  1. Install the side yoke and tighten the retaining bolt.


END OF SECTION