Vic, if the pinion shaft in the vicinity of the seal is not smooth and
free of grooves, I dont think any seal will do a good job. I went down
this road with a leather seal first, but I failed to clean up the shaft
and it leaked immediately. I put a neoprene seal on afterwards after
cleaning the shaft and it leaks much less (very minor). The only reason
it leaks at all is that the OD of the seal case is slightly larger than
the ID of the diff case, so the seal warped slightly after I drove it
in. Of course, I didnt know this as I was installing it.
Bottom line - I suspect that either seal will work if 1) the shaft is
smooth (use a speedi-sleeve if you have grooves that wont go away) and
2) the seal is fitted correctly. Also, I've heard the leather seal
should be soaked in oil overnight before installation.
John - 1976 TR6
-----Original Message-----
From: Vsnively@aol.com [SMTP:Vsnively@aol.com]
Sent: Friday, October 11, 2002 10:50 AM
To: jlumia@ball.com
Cc: 6pack@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: Leather Pinion Seal Orientation
Listers,
I have replaced the leather seal twice in as many years. My car has
63,000 careful miles. Is the pinion shaft worn that badly ? Can I use a
speedi-sleeve ? Does anyone else have a problem with the leather seals ?
One lister recently remarked on the use of a neoprene-lipped seal. I
have replaced several neoprene seals in the car (axles, f & r tranny,
rear main, etc) with no problems.
Thanks in advance for your knowledgeable responses.
Vic Snively
'75 TR6 with unstoppable pinion leak
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