2003-06 Cadillac CTS
2004-06 Cadillac SRX
2005-06 Cadillac STS
2006 Pontiac Solstice
The rear axle pinion seal may exhibit a fluid leak condition. During seal replacement, the new seal may still leak as work on the vehicle is being completed. It is possible that when replacing the seal, the rear axle lube is seeping through the pinion bearings. The lube then gets past the rubber seal and gets trapped behind the metal dust shield before the pinion yoke is installed. When the dealer installs the pinion yoke, the trapped fluid is squeezed out and gives the illusion of a continued leak.
TIP:Â Inspect the new seal for the presence of the internal garter spring and make sure it is there. If not, use a seal that does have it.
Inspect the new seal for metal contamination in the grease used to lube the seal lip. If there is any contamination, discard the seal and use only a debris-free seal that is supplied with grease.
When replacing the pinion seal, first drain the rear axle fluid. This also helps remove metal contaminants that may be present and may have caused the initial leak condition. Next, remove the leaking seal. Install the new seal and yoke. Last, refill the rear axle. This should prevent the lube from being trapped behind the dust shield.
- Thanks to Rusty Sampsel
2004-06 Cadillac SRX
2005-06 Cadillac STS
2006 Pontiac Solstice
The rear axle pinion seal may exhibit a fluid leak condition. During seal replacement, the new seal may still leak as work on the vehicle is being completed. It is possible that when replacing the seal, the rear axle lube is seeping through the pinion bearings. The lube then gets past the rubber seal and gets trapped behind the metal dust shield before the pinion yoke is installed. When the dealer installs the pinion yoke, the trapped fluid is squeezed out and gives the illusion of a continued leak.
TIP:Â Inspect the new seal for the presence of the internal garter spring and make sure it is there. If not, use a seal that does have it.
Inspect the new seal for metal contamination in the grease used to lube the seal lip. If there is any contamination, discard the seal and use only a debris-free seal that is supplied with grease.
When replacing the pinion seal, first drain the rear axle fluid. This also helps remove metal contaminants that may be present and may have caused the initial leak condition. Next, remove the leaking seal. Install the new seal and yoke. Last, refill the rear axle. This should prevent the lube from being trapped behind the dust shield.
- Thanks to Rusty Sampsel
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