Pinion seal leaking?
#1
Pinion seal leaking?
I took my car in for an oil change today and on the ticket, they came back with a note stating my pinion seal was leaking. My rear has been really noisy, it whines while in gear at low RPM under light load and when I put it in neutral, the noise goes away pretty much altogether. It has been that way for a while (the noise) but I don't know how long it has been leaking. Could this leak be causing my whine in the rear end? Just trying to get an understanding of what the pinion seal leaking could cause for me.
Thanks
Thanks
#6
Al 95 Z28
#15
TECH Fanatic
Yeah I'll probably have my mechanic check mine out to see how soon I should get it fixed and then get a price from him. He is a really nice guy and always cuts me a deal when stuff needs fixed for the most part so I expect maybe $40 to just have him fix it. After I did my headers I had him look at it and fix some stuff (check & re-tighten header bolts, heat wrap some wires near the collectors, made sure plugs were tight, notched heat shield and torch cut a tiny but of subframe for clearance and then welded it up nice, painted it, and an oil change for a grand total of around $260.
#18
Let me just say: Have someone that knows what they are doing replace the seal. If you re-install the pinion nut incorrectly you'll kill the rear end. It's not worth saving $10. Just my advice....
Al 95 Z28
Al 95 Z28
#19
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Replacing the seal is not a big job. Just take it to a reputable shop and get a quote. Or, if you have the tools and skills do it yourself. The part about the gear whine is not good. The ring and pinion are most likely damaged and it's not going to get quiet. Whatever you do, fill the rear end with the proper fluid. Having it leak out is not as bad a frying the gears.
Al 95 Z28
Al 95 Z28
#20
TECH Addict
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Very true. Even if they do it the yoke removal method well, there is still a chance your preload is not back to where is once was. Mine made it about 6 months before the pinion bearing started howling. I am sure there was pre-existing damage before we replaced the seal. In my opinion going from the driveshaft side is a band-aid more than a cure.