Flange Yoke Seal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Montego, 2006 Ford Freestyle, and 2006 Ford Five Hundred. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Leaks at the axle drive pinion seal originate for the following reasons:

Damaged seal
Worn seal journal surface

Any damage to the seal bore (dings, dents, gouges or other imperfections) will distort the seal casing and allow leakage past the outer edge of the axle drive pinion seal.

The axle drive pinion seal can be torn, cut or gouged if it is not installed carefully. The spring that holds the axle drive pinion seal against the pinion flange may be knocked out and allow leakage past the lip.

A new pinion flange must be installed if any of these conditions exist.

Metal chips trapped at the sealing lip can cause oil leaks. These can cause a wear groove on the pinion flange and pinion seal wear.

When a seal leak occurs, install a new seal and check the vent to make sure it is clean and free of foreign material.