Pinion Seal: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Dodge Dakota and 2003 Dodge Dakota. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Apply a light coating of gear lubricant on the lip of pinion seal.
Install seal with Installer C-3972-A and Handle C-4171 (Fig 1 ).

Fig 1: Pinion Seal Installer
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Install the companion flange onto the pinion with Installer C-3718 and Holder 6719A.
Position holder against the companion flange and install four bolts and washers into the threaded holes. Tighten the bolt and washer so that the holder is held to the flange.
Install a new pinion nut onto the pinion shaft and tighten the pinion nut until there is zero bearing end-play (Fig 2 ).
CAUTION: Do not exceed the minimum tightening torque when installing the companion flange at this point. Damage to the collapsible spacer or bearings may result.

Fig 2: Tightening Pinion Nut
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Tighten the nut to 271 N.m (200 ft. lbs.).
CAUTION: Never loosen pinion nut to decrease pinion bearing rotating torque and never exceed specified preload torque. If preload torque or rotating torque is exceeded a new collapsible spacer must be installed.
Record the pinion rotating torque using a torque wrench. The rotating torque should be equal to the reading recorded during removal plus an additional 0.56 N.m (5 in. lbs.) (Fig 3 ).

Fig 3: Measuring Pinion Rotation Torque
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
If the rotating torque is low, tighten the pinion nut in 6.8 N.m (5 ft. lbs.) increments until the proper rotating torque is achieved.
CAUTION: If the maximum tightening torque is reached prior to reaching the required rotating torque, the collapsible spacer may have been damaged. Replace the collapsible spacer.
Install propeller shaft with reference marks aligned.
Add gear lubricant to differential housing if necessary.
Install half shafts.