Front Drive Axle/Differential-Dana 30

Drive Pinion Seal








Special Tool(s)

Removal

CAUTION: This operation disturbs the differential pinion bearing preload. Carefully reset the preload during assembly.

1. Raise and support the vehicle.

2. NOTE: The front wheels and tires and brake calipers must be removed to prevent drag during the drive pinion preload recording and adjustment.

Remove front wheels and tires.
3. Remove front disc brake calipers.





4. Index-mark the front driveshaft and pinion flange.





5. CAUTION: Do not allow the driveshaft to hang unsupported.

Disconnect the front driveshaft from the pinion flange, and position it aside.
1 Remove the bolts and the universal joint spider retainers.
2 Disconnect the front driveshaft from the pinion flange.
3 Position the front driveshaft aside.





6. Measure and record the pinion bearing torque preload.
Using a Nm (inch-pound) torque wrench, rotate the pinion. Measure the torque required to maintain pinion rotation.





7. Index-mark the pinion flange and the pinion stem.





8. Using the special tool to hold the pinion flange, remove and discard the pinion nut and washer.





9. CAUTION: Place a drain pan under the differential housing.

Using the special tool, remove the pinion flange.
10. Inspect the pinion flange for burrs and damage. Inspect the end of the pinion flange that contacts the bearing cone, the nut counterbore, and the seal surface for nicks. Discard the pinion flange if damaged.





11. Using the special tools, remove the pinion seal.

Installation
1. Verify that the splines on the pinion stem are free of burrs. If burrs are evident, remove them with a fine crocus cloth. Work in a rotating motion to wipe the pinion clean.
2. Clean the pinion seal bore.





3. NOTE: Lubricate the pinion seal.

Using the special tool, install the pinion seal.





4. CAUTION: Never use a metal hammer on the pinion flange or install the flange with power tools.

NOTE: Lubricate the pinion flange splines.

Align the index marks. Using the special tool, install the pinion flange.





5. Install the washer and a new pinion nut. Only hand-tighten the nut at this time.





6. CAUTION: Do not loosen the nut to reduce preload. Install a new collapsible spacer and nut if preload reduction is necessary.

Using the special tool to hold the pinion flange, tighten the nut to set the preload.
^ Tighten the nut, rotating the pinion occasionally to make sure the differential pinion bearings are seating correctly. Take frequent differential pinion bearing preload readings by rotating the pinion with a Nm (inch-pound) torque wrench. The final reading must be 0.56 Nm (5 inch lbs.) more than the initial reading taken during removal.





7. Align the index marks and position the front driveshaft.





8. Install the universal joint spider retainers and bolts.
9. Check the fluid level and, if necessary, fill the axle to specification.
10. Lower the vehicle.