Pinion question

[mud390]

I've got an 81 K10 with a 12 bolt rear. The pinion seal leaks more than I'm comfortable with. Its not just a drop here and there, but both axle tubes are visibly wet after a drive around town. Anyhow, what's it take to change that seal? Never had to do anything like this before and thought I'd ask here to get an idea before I started tearing it apart. Any special tools? Thanks!

Kris

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

You have to remove the axle shafts and carrier then measure the pinion bearing preload on the pinion bearings. Then you can remove your yoke and replace the seal and pinion nut and then reset the pinion bearing preload.

Given that this is a 12 bolt, the pinion bearings are probably toast. See if there is any movement at the yoke. There should be none.

If you have never setup gears before I would recommend taking it to someone or having an experienced person help you. If you are interested here is a writeup on gears.

http://pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/Gear_Setup/

 

[Mudstud]

I sense an 14 bolt swap in your future.

 

[Big Blzn]

You have to remove the axle shafts and carrier then measure the pinion bearing preload on the pinion bearings. Then you can remove your yoke and replace the seal and pinion nut and then reset the pinion bearing preload.

Given that this is a 12 bolt, the pinion bearings are probably toast. See if there is any movement at the yoke. There should be none.

If you have never setup gears before I would recommend taking it to someone or having an experienced person help you. If you are interested here is a writeup on gears.

http://pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/Gear_Setup/

That IS the best tech write up I have ever seen. Wow, way to go. Still beyond my skills though.

 

[mud390]

That sounds like a major pain the butt! Well above my technical and mechanical ability and tools I own. A 14 bolt might be in my future, but this truck is just a hunting truck, and I do have another truck sitting the driveway with a 10 bolt.... Hmmmm? Thanks for the link though! Very informative!

Kris

 

[iwaxmyjimmy]

if it was me id count the treads on the pinion(with the nut still on it). pop off the yoke... replace the seal making sure to add some RTV on the outside of the seal..... and reassemble and count the number of threads and get it pretty much the same then stake the pinion nut...... thats how i do them at the dealership