IRD Pinion Seal

[Mockery]

I have some leaks on my IRD which are showing up as darkened areas in the dust around my Front RH driveshaft and Pinion output.
Driveshaft seal is only $43, so no problem there (i think), however I was told that the pinion seal ONLY comes as part of a 'Flange Kit' which costs $640!!!!! don't want to pay that...

This is at odds with Mr Haynes, who reckons the pinion seal is just an O-Ring.
So I'm thinking I'll just take off the pinion housing, grab this O-ring and go to Transeals or somewhere for a new one which should cost about $6.40...

Question is, has anyone done these jobs before who can shed the light of some 1st-hand experience? Car is '05 Td4, about 90 000km on the clock. Some special tool needed for pulling out the driveshaft or something?

I got stuck in some serious mud a while back, is there a breather that I should check whether it is clogged? Where would I find that, don't recall seeing in Haynes?

[101RRS]

Are they leaking or just weeping? My first IRD had done 180,000k and was not leaking and my current one has 120,000 and no leaks. If weeping I would not worry about it.

However, like you, I understand the IRD pinion does just come out and the seal is easily replaced and can be bought separately - however I haven't actually done one. If you don't need to use the car - I would try this approach first and if you cannot get a seal then there is the expansive option.

The front RH driveshaft is held in with an internal circlip - the shaft just needs a good yank to get it out - a little leverage may also assist.

Garry