Should I replace the pinion yoke with the seal?

[Mark K 2]

My rear pinion seal is leaking. I've heard stories of guys getting halfway through the pinion seal replacement project only to find the yoke to be grooved and in need of replacement. Should I order a replacement yoke before I start the project? It's not an expensive part and it comes with a seal.

 

[Jerry Gerner 2]

I say go for it Mark, always better to replace a part that's in the way and could possibly need replaced now or eventually.



That's how I repair things anyway. Plus the part is cheap so go for it.:banana:

 

[Richard L]

Mark,

I don't believe in buying unnecessary parts, but I have been in situations where I cannot afford to have the vehicle down waiting for parts. I had this situation when I had a blown head gasket on an old Dodge mini-van and my granddaughter was in the hospital in Dallas. I could not locate anyone here in Waco with a rebuilt or good used head since they claimed that most of the ones they seen were cracked...so I had to order a head gasket and a head...and replaced both, just in case the old head was cracked. When I removed the old head, it was just a blown head gasket, but I put the new head on anyway and kept the old Dodge for another 4-5 years.



My point is that you need to weigh the cost of the pinion yoke and the time you vehicle will be down while the new yoke is on order. If you live without the vehicle until you can get the part, then wait until you can inspect the old yoke. If you cannot live without your vehicle until the new yoke arrives, then you probablly need to order that part to be safe.



The only problem is that there always seems to be some other bad part that you did not expect, or the new part is the wrong part but you don't know until you try to install it:angry:



...Rich



...Rich

 

[rod denton]

go for it do it right once

 

[EddieS'04]

Im suprised @ the $27 for the part and seal.

Normaly I would only replace the seal and nut. But @ that price. Kinda a no brainer.

 

[Richard L]

Eddie, is right. If the part only cost $27..GET A NEW ONE. That IS a no-brainer. The rebuilt head cost me nearly $500.



...Rich

 

[Mark K 2]

Thanks, everyone, for your input. I ordered the parts. My mechanic sort of thought I was crazy for choosing to replace the yoke before knowing it was bad.



I watched a video where someone thought the seal was bad but it ended up being grooves in the yoke that was causing the fluid leak. It was a Ford Ranger, which I understand is similar, if not identical, to the ST rear end.

 

[EddieS'04]

Good deal Mark.

Sometimes parts like that can get a groove from the oem seal.

Some times you can buy, replacement seals. That are a few thousands smaller ID. To make up for wear.

I have bought them for harmonic balancers that way.

 

[rod denton]

hmm .... could it be that is why they are sold as set

 

[Mark K 2]

Whoa. FedEx Ground just delivered the part. Florida to Wisconsin in a day and a half. That's impressive.

 

[Jerry Gerner 2]

nline: Write-up, write-up, write-up !!!! :banana::banana: