59 pinion oil seal replacement

[HOG1450]

Hi everyone,

I have an oil leak from the diff of my 59. I have purchased a new pinion oil seal. But what I am wondering is, can anyone tell me how difficult it is to replace the old one, or can point me in the right direction of an article showing how to do it.

thanks

Brian

 

[Tom Bryant]

Hi Brian,

The pinion seal is fairly simple with the right tools. Remove the four fasteners from the rear u-joint and drop the drive shaft down. I recommend wrapping a few turns of tape around the U-joint to hold the cups in place so you don't spent a lot of time picking up needle bearings and hoping you found them all. We have all done that at least once.

Then you will need to set your parking brake so nothing will turn and break loose the nut holding on the pinion flange . Once removed, the flange may come off with a little light tapping or you may have to use a puller to help it along. The old seal can be popped out with a screw driver or you can get a seal remover from an auto parts store that rents tools. It's like a screwdriver handle but has a hook on the end and a curved face that you simple hook into the edge of the seal and roll the handle sideways popping out the old seal.

Inspect your pinion flange for wear where the seal contacts. Some is expected but a deep groove will be hard to seal against. Advise if you have a question on this once apart.

Line up the new seal squarely and gently tap it in until it seats firmly using a large socket. Be sure to keep it square going in. Apply some oil to the seal and flange and reinstall the flange. Torque to specs. I don't have my ST-12 here right now so I can't give the torque. Maybe someone else can chime in on that.

Then reinstall your drive shaft and you are done.

Tom

 

[HOG1450]

Oil seal replacement

Thank you for that Tom, I intend to buy a workshop manual for the car when I come to the USA in June. But you described the process of changing the oil seal so well, that I feel confident in doing the job.
Thanks again.