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Oil leak through pinion nut?

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TR4nut

TR4nut

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This weekend my changing out the speedo cable on the TR4 led to a replacement of u-joints on the prop shaft. I'm still sore from contorting my body way too much during the process - but other than that, when I pulled the prop shaft flange away from the differential, the gap between the flanges was completely full of oil. I can't figure out how it got there - has anyone experienced this before? I can only guess that oil slowly leaked between the pinion and pinion flange. Seems like a strange way to leak, through the seal would probably be quicker.

Is this a sign of a worse problem?

Thanks,
Randy
 
it could just be the seal, but most likely its the pinion flange coming loose. grab it and see if it moves in and out or up and down. this happened to me and i caught it quick and was able to just replace the seal and bearing inside then put it back together
Randy
 
Aloha Randy,

Also check that the vent for the differential is not plugged. This allows air to enter the case as the oil expands and contracts due to temperature changes. A plugged vent can pressurize the case and cause oil seals to leak. I agree it is strange since oil would have to get past the seal and either gravity or centrifugal force would probably remove it before it worked through the flange splines.
 
Yeah, I'm stumped right now. Good idea on the vent, though, I'll check. I haven't looked hard at the drawings, but I thought the seal is the typical variety - seals the outer part of the flange. It might be leaking there too, but I don't think it would explain the oil accumulation. Where it is leaking for me is apparently in the splined section of the pinion and the flange, then past the nut holding the pinion flange on. When I pulled the propshaft, the oil drenched my hand so my guess is the entire cavity between the flanges was full of oil. Very strange.

Randy
 
i'm with tr6 lover had the same symptom as he ..with same repair. However you will have solid axle right? What if you lift rear of car a foot higher than the front and see if it leaks when oil is against seal say overnite and see if it leaks,that's when mine showed up,I was backed up a grade at a motel in California leaving a spot on the pavement in the morning. I knew something was leaking as the rear bumper had spots on it every time i fueled up but never saw any droppings on mother earth until i put the seal under the oil line.
 
I haven't had my coffee yet as I'm getting the woodstove going, so I may be way off base. Is it possible that the oil is coming from the propshaft? Aren't propshafts lubricated with oil?
 
Twosheds said:
I haven't had my coffee yet as I'm getting the woodstove going, so I may be way off base. Is it possible that the oil is coming from the propshaft? Aren't propshafts lubricated with oil?
Click to expand...

Oops, I better go check my maintenance book again. I shot grease into the propshaft (front sliding section). You may be on to something.

This is a live axle car, I didn't notice any play in the pinion flange but it is worth a check too.

Randy
 
I have had a solid axle car leak oil past the splines before. It IS a little weird, but not unheard of.I pulled the flange, and sealed the splines with some anerobicgasket goo I had on hand. So far, so good. I have had this happen to Jags as well, with similar repairs. Just one of those "little quirks" that we grow to love I guess.
 
I've also heard oil leakage past the splines mentioned as a problem. Never had it myself, but I always smear a little RTV on the washer as a precaution.
 
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