The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Pinion seal leak

I have a 1955 1st series with open drive line. It the original rear end with 3:90 gears. I have had the pinion seal replaced twice this summer. Each time after driving it and then parking it, there is oil on the floor. Still leaking. Any ideas?
Larry

If everything was done right in doing the job, then the last thing left would be a worn or pitted yoke. You may need to put a speedi-sleeve on it.

Like Pre says. Also make shure the bearings are not loose. You may need to put some RTV on the splines & washer. Sometimes the grease can leak through the splines.

I just finished do this and used a speedi sleeve. Perfect solution to the problem. Change the seal at the same time.

The shop that did the work has done good work for me in the past. After they installed the first seal and it leaked, they were surprised. Took it back to them and they did the job again. Two days later they called and asked about the seal. Still leaking so its going back to them as the job is under warranty. I'm just trying to understand the problem. I have not heard of a speedi sleeve.

Larry,

It looks like you are referring to a leak at the front (forward side) of the drive pinion (not a leak at an axle seal)?

Are the 55-1st parts similar to 1955-2nd parts?

The problems might be (I have had all three problems on a similar GMC pinion seal):
- wrong size seal (#21 companion flange oil seal)
- wrong companion flange (#23)
- groove in the seal mating surface on the companion flange (#22)

Dave and Wrenchbender: is the companion flange called a (rear) u-joint yoke?

If there is a repair sleeve available for the companion flange?

1955 first uses the same parts as 55 second.
Yes #22 in your link, "companion flange", if the same thing as a yoke.

As shown in Tim's link, it is the #22 seal. Seams like such a simple fix. I would do it myself but already paid the shop to fix the problem. Its hard to believe the shop replaced the seal twice and it still leaks.

Is the shop experienced with these early differentials that use a crush sleeve between the pinion bearings?

Just got the truck back from the shop. The problem is finally fixed. New pinion seal, carrier gasket, cover gasket and axle seals. Lots of excuses from the shop. No additional charges.

Be sure to check that the axle housing is venting properly, too. There is a vent, that when plugged with dirt or whatever, would allow pressure to build up and push fluid out of the weakest seal.

I wanted to ad to this post that the speedi-sleeve and pinion seal part number for a 1955 first series are:

Speedi-sleeve 99170
Pinion seal 17727

These are both made by SKF

I got these from NAPA and they worked perfectly

Joe