Hello

I drove to NY about two weeks ago. A pillow fell from a truck and went right under the car. Somehow the pillow got stuck in the drive shaft. The cotton and stuff was gone but the cover was really tightened around the drive. I had to use pliers to get it out (kind of ripped it piece by piece). It got stuck right where the drive goes into the differential. I did not have a leak the same moment. I have put 2000 miles since that day. Apparently I have had a leak for some time. The other day changed the differential oil. There was some oil (low) on the differential when opened the plug. I filled it up with fresh oil and now I am noticing a good size drop everywhere I stop. I think I have damaged the seal. It is not leaking from the axcels. Any fluids recomended to stop the leak ? or Has anyone ever tried to replace the seal...Any ideas.

Thanks for your help

The seals tend to leak at this mileage.........regardless of the pillow issue.

Once you remove the driveshaft and the yoke, the seal is not difficult to change. The yoke typically required a special socket to remove.

Do you know where you can get that socket at, and how do you hold the differential from turning trying to loosen the nut?

Well, since it's a PITA to work underneath the diff, I had my dealer connection do the job on a lift. He used an impact wrench, naturally. It's not a fun job on jackstands.

The front seal on the differential is the pinion seal, and here is the tool you need if you want to change the seal - http://www.zdmak.com/wbstore/main.asp?action=PROD&PROD=M0026&CTMP=1
If you buy on will you buy one for me as well, because both my 123's have leaking pinion seals.

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I looked at that tool you referenced and it doesn't look like it would fit the nut that is shown in the buy parts for that pinion nut. The nut look like a star all the way around. That socket appears to be like for a square slotted like nut of sorts. I was wondering, also, it it can be replaced by just running it up on ramps in the rear instead of using jack stands?

I've got that socket around here somewhere.............

Yes, you can put the vehicle on ramps and do the job. You might be able to drop the driveshaft from the rear yoke without loosening the large nut in the middle of the shaft. This would save quite a bit of work.

Would you lease that socket or wrench & I would return it to you? I need to replace my pinion seal very soon.

Thank you very much for the quick response. I will shop for a good price and if it is to high, will do it myself..

Thanks again for the tip.

I am thinking that if your parkigng brake works enough to keep the wheels from rotating when it is applied you should be able to remove the nut and the pinion should not rotate.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

Sure............provided that I can find it.

PM for details.

Brian, thanks for checking........

Does anyone know what size or how many mm is the pinion nut... this is for 300 sdl

Thank you.