E 150 1/2 Ton Van V6-4.2L VIN 2 (1997)
Seals and Gaskets: Service and Repair
Inspection
When the rear axle drive pinion seal leaks, it is usually because it was not installed properly, or because of poor quality seal journal surface.
Any damage to the seal bore (dings, dents, gouges or other imperfections) will distort the seal casing and allow leakage past the outer edge of the rear
axle drive pinion seal.
The rear axle drive pinion seal can be torn, cut or gouged if it is not assembled carefully. The spring that holds the rear axle drive pinion seal against the
rear axle universal joint flange can be knocked out and allow leakage past the lip.
The rubber lips can occasionally become hard (like plastic) with cracks at the oil lip contact point. The contact point on the rear axle universal joint
flange may become black, indicating excessive heat. Marks, nicks, gouges or rough surface texture on the seal journal of the rear axle universal joint
flange will also cause leaks.
Excessive rear axle drive pinion seal wear (0.039 mm [0.05 inch] or greater) will be noted
The rear axle universal joint flange must be replaced if any of these conditions exist.
Metal chips or sand trapped at the sealing lip can also cause oil leaks. This can cause a wear groove on the rear axle universal joint flange and heavy
pinion seal wear.
When any seal leaks, confirm that air passes freely through the vent and fitting. Clean out as needed.
