Differential Pinion Seal Question

[nhlivfree]

Still relatively new to Land Rovers. I had a leaky pinion seal and followed the steps in the green bible and other manuals to replace it: disconnected the prop shaft from the flange, removed cotter pin, nut, washer, drive flange, and mud shield. I next expected to encounter the faulty seal but instead encounterd a metal ring with a leather seal behind it. My understanding is that this is an old seal and the metal ring is there to hold the leather seal in place and the metal ring is to be pried out carefully. I could not get the metal ring to move however I was able to get behind it with a pair of needle nose pliers and remove the leather seal (there was also a circular spring). I still need to remove the metal ring and am at a loss as to how to get it out. It won't budge. Anyone have any experience with this and would care to share some tips and wisdom as to how to remove it?

Thanks
Kevin

[Les Parker]

Kevin,
There several seal removers on the market, try your local auto parts store.
Most of the seal extractors will destroy the old seal as it is removed, so be prepared for that.
Try this :-
http://www.eastwood.com/lisle-seal-puller-56750.html

[jac04]

The old leather seals can be a real PITA to get out. If possible, try to collapse the metal seal case using a punch. That usually does the trick. Make sure to carefully inspect the pinion flange sealing surface as well. You can buy a Speedi-Sleeve to repair the pinion flange.

[Star27buck]

The surface on my driving flange is slightly pitted and the replacement flange is costly. Do you have a Speedi-Sleeve number?

[jac04]

Our hosts have them (although they seem to be very expensive):
http://www.roversnorth.com/ProductDesc.aspx?code=99174&type=0&eq=&desc=SPEEDI-SLEEVE--DIFF-PINIO

[urbanyeti]

Kevin, I'm in the middle of the same project (leaky pinion seal). I bought a seal remover tool from the local auto shop and it made that task so much easier. Now, I haven't gotten to putting it all back together again (waiting on new drive flange to arrive), so any advice you (or anyone) have would great.

Star27buck, speaking of drive flanges... mine was pitted too. I found this new one on RN ($39 vs $360). http://www.roversnorth.com/ProductDesc.aspx?code=PLB504&type=0&eq=&key=it
10991

[Star27buck]

Speedi-Sleeve number is 99174....from memory, but the sleeve is about as costly as the replacement flange you purchased. Some of the aftermarket replacement flanges are of, shall we say, lesser quality. The Allmakes one I used for another British car wore out after three years....but at that price difference, it might be worth taking the chance. The first one lasted sixty-two years.