I recently replaced my rear pinion seal, and it started to leak again. I followed the procedure to remove and replace it, and was wondering if it can leak out through the splines of the rear differential that the pinion flange slides over, since I thought I used enough gasket maker to prevent the gear oil from leaking. Does anyone have any thoughts about why it would leak again?

 

warped

damage

incorrect cure time / wrong gasket



it’s kinda hard to tell not being able to see thru the interwebs

 

How quiet is the rear diff? If the pinon bearing is bad the seal may not be able to seal. Have you checked the diff vent to make sure it is open and working? If pressure is building up inside the diff, it will leak somewhere.

 

I'll check out the axle/differential vent. Maybe I could take some photos with the drive shaft disconnected.

 

when you install the new seal, if it sits in the exact spot as the old one, it will most likely leak again

 

yes they are known to leak out of the splines. a DAB of gasket maker mid way in the splines is the usual method when replacing.