Can you drive with a bad pinion seal?
If you notice your differential has low fluid, chances are it is leaking from the pinion seal. This needs to be fixed in a timely manner because as the fluid levels drop, the gears will wear down as the friction increases. Without a proper working differential, your vehicle will not be able to be driven.
How long should a pinion seal last?
In terms of lifespan, there’s no set duration for a pinion seal. Really, they last as long as they last. There are many different factors that come into play here. All seals will degrade with time and exposure to differential fluid, but your driving habits will have a significant impact on lifespan.
What makes a pinion seal leak?
There are two problems to consider with a pinion seal leak. However, it is fairly common as well for the failure to be caused by too much runout of the pinion, caused by either incorrect preload on the pinion, or failure of the pinion bearing, the former often being caused by the latter.
What to do after a pinion seal is removed?
After the pinion seal is removed, clean the inside surface of the pinion seal mounts. Get any dirt and grime removed and the surface cleaned and prepared for the new seal.
How much does it cost to replace a pinion seal on a Ford Explorer?
For a 2009 Ford Explorer, the labor time to replace the rear pinion seal is around 1 hour. An SKF seal costs about $9, making the job cost about $109. In all cases, a small amount of gear oil would be needed to top off the differential. It is very common to replace the seal in conjunction with a differential service, replacing all the fluid.
How long does a pinion seal last in a car?
Pressure builds up inside the differential (to an extent – it’s not the same level of pressure as found inside your engine) and differential fluid begins moving. The seal must be able to stand up to pressure, fluid motion and heat to prevent leaks. In terms of lifespan, there’s no set duration for a pinion seal.
What happens if a pinion seal fails on a differential?
As long as the pinion seal is in place and performing well, the differential will stay in good shape and operate as it is supposed to. A failed pinion seal can result in a minor leak where fluid seeps out, or a major leak that can ruin the differential bearings and gears.