pinion seal leaking

**brendanmac** · 20th March 2019, 07:58 AM

I recently replaced the oil in the diffs on my 1997 defender but now I have a leaking pinion seal at the rear.

I know that dirty/sand is a likely cause for the seal to leak but I am curious as to why this has now started leaking all of a sudden.

When I replaced the oil I put in 2.5L of Penrite 85w-140 in the rear (I think that was what was in there previously) but after re-reading previous posts I think I might not have put in enough oil. I have the same configuration as Rick130 ('SOLID' brand diff cover and oil lubricated bearings) and he suggested using 3L but I didn't have enough on hand at the time. Could that contribute to the leak?

When I get around to replacing the seal do I have to drop all the oil? And is there any after market product which can help stop dirty or sand getting into the seal in the first place?

**Bearman** · 20th March 2019, 08:50 AM

Check that the breather is clear before replacing the seal. You don't have to drop the oil to replace it - it will self level during the reapair if the oil level is above the pinion height so you might have to top it up afterwards. There is a later type flange and seal kit that you can buy that has an improved mud shield on it for around $100 which is recommended. Just make sure the pinion nut is retightened to the same position when you do it - mark a spot on the end of the pinion thread and another on the nut and count the number of turns to get it off and retighten to the same spot.Rear Diff Flange Seal Kit for Land Rover 110/Perentie Salisbury STC4457 | eBay

**brendanmac** · 20th March 2019, 03:09 PM

Originally Posted by Bearman

Check that the breather is clear before replacing the seal. You don't have to drop the oil to replace it - it will self level during the reapair if the oil level is above the pinion height so you might have to top it up afterwards. There is a later type flange and seal kit that you can buy that has an improved mud shield on it for around $100 which is recommended. Just make sure the pinion nut is retightened to the same position when you do it - mark a spot on the end of the pinion thread and another on the nut and count the number of turns to get it off and retighten to the same spot.Rear Diff Flange Seal Kit for Land Rover 110/Perentie Salisbury STC4457 | eBay

thanks for the info.

with regards to the pinion nut, I have watched a number of youtube clips that talk about counting the turns and making sure to tighten to the exact same postion but I have also read other comments stating it should be tightened a smidgeon more - something to do with tightening to the correct tension. Which is correct? Or is it worthwhile replacing the crush washer entirely?

**Bearman** · 20th March 2019, 03:55 PM

It will be fine if you retighten to the same position. It's all to do with preload on the pinion bearings. That's providing the preload is correct before you start - make sure there is no play in the pinion or the nut is loose before you undo it. To get the correct preload with a new crush spacer you have to remove the crown wheel carrier first.

**weeds** · 20th March 2019, 04:20 PM

Centre punch the nut and the housing so you know the start point.....I used a rattle gun and went a smidgen past.

**inside** · 26th March 2019, 08:28 PM

That Salisbury Pinion Seal

**nickj** · 27th March 2019, 03:45 PM

Not sure if this is helpful, but six months after I had the rear pinion seal replaced (by a mechanic), it started leaking again. I ordered parts to do this myself as I'd done it on a Hilux before, however, I had second thoughts in case there was something else going on. Anyway, long story short: The pinion seal was leaking because the first mechanic had over-filled the diff... So, the pressure had caused the seal to leak.

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