The pinion seal on the rear axle is leaking in this truck?

2004 FORD RANGER

183,000 MILES • 3.0L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

CANNON1349

✓AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
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The pinion seal on the rear axle is leaking in this truck. I understand there is a concern for the preload and crush sleeve on the pinion for this repair, yet I can't find any torque specs for the nut. I've heard some folks say it's 160 ft lbs if reusing the same crush sleeve.

Sep 18, 2020 at 5:33 PM

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KASEKENNY

AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
18,907 POSTS

It is not so much the torque spec as you need to measure the preload before taking it apart and then match that when installing the nut. I attached the complete process for you review.

Be sure to pay attention to the note where it says to not back off the nut to reach the preload. In other words if you over-tighten it and then try to back it off it will loosen and cause a major failure. You would need a new crush sleeve at that point.

Let us know what questions you have. Thanks.

Images (Click to enlarge)

Sep 18, 2020 at 6:05 PM