Hi all,

I was just made aware that the pinion seal on my differential is leaking. There is fluid on the front of the differential where the driveshaft enters. I couldn't find a DIY article on pinion seal replacement. How big a job is this? Are there any guides for the replacement?

Thanks,
Jack

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Jack
1984 300SD. 115k miles.

Jack,

Its a big job, but can be done.

The nut is staked into a slot in the pinion and must be unstaked for removal. The pinion nut (123 353 00 72) and the pinion seal (022 997 99 47) are available for modest cost. You can uise a 1/2" drive 1-3/6" thinwall 12-point socket to remove the nut.

Pull the yoke with a 'Y' shaped harmonic balancer puller, like the ones you can rent at Autozone. Change the seal and heat the yoke on a hot plate and slide it on with gloves. Immediately start tightening the nut and finish drawing the yoke into place.

As soon as you feel the nut go solid, stop turning. Now, with an assistant holding the brakes, give the nut just a slight nudge until you feel it move, This will take a LOT of effort. At this position, you can re-stake the nut into the slot....Robert

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Did you just pass my 740 at 200 kmh in a 300SD?????

1978 300SD 'Phil' - 1,315,853 Miles And Counting - 1, 317,885 as of 12/27/2012 - 1,333,000 as of 05/10/2013, 1,337,850 as of July 15, 2013, 1,339,000 as of August 13, 2013



100,000 miles since June 2005 Overhaul - Sold January 25th, 2014 After 1,344,246 Miles & 20 Years of Ownership