Pinion Seal- Front Diff?

[Jo6pak]

Finally got around to repairing my front driveshaft today.
Took a little bending at odd angle to get to the TC end bolts, and then a few raps with a rubber mallet to get it out. But following Twacks "How-to" helped greatly.

However, now the issues...

When I removed the front I noticed that there was some differential oil in the flange area where the shaft attaches.

In the time it took me to replace the shaft head, it had dripped maybe a tablespoon of oil. I wiped out the flange area with a rag and let it be for about an hour and it remained dry.

I'm guessing this is not normal to have diff oil outside the pinion seal. Which leads me to believe the pinion shaft seal is leaking.
Is is possible that rapping it with a rubber mallet ruined the seal or caused it to leak a little?

I know I can drive without the driveshaft, but how about the leaking diff?
What's the best way to determine how bad the seal is leaking?
How much of a PITA is it to replace.?

Here's my half ass plan.
I've left the driveshaft off. I was thinking of just having the stealership replace the seal and re-installing the driveshaft while I have the lower control arm recall work done next week. Not sure I want to tackle this one myself.:shrug:

Need some answers and advise...p:

 

[ridenby]

Don't know that I would worry about it.

 

[HoosierJeeper]

I don't think a rubber mallet would've done that. Had you pryed at it with a screw drive or something maybe. My thought is that it was leaking in such a minor way that it got covered by the driveshaft enough to not notice. I think you could go ahead and put the shaft back it and replace it when it leaks beyond the shaft. Might be a onetime occurrence.

 

[Jo6pak]

Thanks for the info guys.

I drove it yesterday and it is still dry. No more signs of leakage.
I'm going to put the driveshaft back in today and see how it goes.

 

[Luke]

Same thing happened when I replaced my drive shaft. There was a little bit pooled at the diff end. During the week after replacement it continued to leak very small amounts. Took it in to have the pinion seal replaced at the dealership...($120.00) all nice and dry now.

 

[Ry' N Jen]

Our front diff is also dripping.
It's going in next week to have the seal replaced
under warranty.
Along with the passengers side half shaft.

 

[SabaII]

Pinion seals are not hard and they are usually a pretty cheap item to do. I must say my background is all medium-heavy duty with this type of repair. I have never done one on a KJ yet but mine is leaking and will be taken care of in a week or so.

Depending on the diff they can put up a fight getting them out. Make sure the sealing surface is clean and free of debris and grooves (especially since these are aluminum). If there are grooves some a light coat of gray RTV can usually do it or a speedi-sleeve. Find a socket or something round that fits the seal. If you do not have to use RTV then make sure you coat the seal in a very light coat of oil before pounding it in.

Caution make SURE you place the applicator on the outer metal part of the seal. If you put it anywhere else it can damage it and you will need a new one. Also, most seals cannot be allowed to be installed too far but be cautious of how far the old seal was in and how far you put the new one in. Again not exactly sure on this application. If the seal starts to go in too crooked then pull it out and start again. Do not try to force it straight you will ruin the seal.

You should be able to tell when the seal is properly seated. Put a little grease if there is none on the seal and install the input yoke. Top off the diff and drive it a bit to make sure it doesn't leak. Shouldn't take more then an hour.

 

[Ry' N Jen]

I would of done the pinion seal myself...
But seeing I paid to have stuff installed and it's all under warranty, let the shop do it
for what I paid.
Hell, if I had done it in the first place, it wouldn't be leaking!
I would of installed the correct pinion seal and not one "Close enough"!
Bunch of F:favorites68:ers!

 

[SabaII]

I would of done the pinion seal myself...
But seeing I paid to have stuff installed and it's all under warranty, let the shop do it
for what I paid.
Hell, if I had done it in the first place, it wouldn't be leaking!
I would of installed the correct pinion seal and not one "Close enough"!
Bunch of F:favorites68:ers!

Getting stuff free is always awesome. Until someone ****'s it up.

Also I wrote that more for others coming across this thread. :happy107:

I know you would have done it :rockit: .