Pinion nut and seal question

[nrt69]

Does anyone know what size the pinion nut is? 1 5/16"?

Also after rebuilding the rear I have a small slow leak from behind the yoke/flange.  Few drops per day.
Friend who helped build rear said I need to run the car so the seal will warm up and set with the yoke.

Guy who sold me parts said that's not normal and something is probably wrong with the seal.

Suggestions?

[birdsandbees]

1 1/8" - 220ft-lbs.

[John_Kunkel]

Pinion nuts can be either 1 1/8" or 1 1/4". If the pinion is the 1 7/8" tapered pinion (489 housing), there is no set torque for the nut and special procedures are necessary when removing the nut unless crush sleeve eliminator is installed.

[nrt69]

Should've mentioned it's a 8.25 rear. My 1 1/4 socket is too small so I'm thinking 1 5/16. I'll get that figured out. But I'm wondering why there's a leak...

[John_Kunkel]

The 8 1/4" also uses a crush sleeve.

The factory recommended procedure is to remove the axles and measure the amount of torque needed to turn the yoke before removing the nut and yoke. After the yoke is replaced, tighten the nut to 200 ft. lbs. If the torque required to turn the yoke is less than the original reading, continue tightening the nut until the original turning torque is achieved. If 200 ft. lbs. makes the yoke too tight the factory recommends replacing the crush sleeve.

The easier way is to simply mark the end of the pinion thread with a center punch then mark the nut with a center punch and align the marks when reinstalling the nut. Be sure there is no noticeable in/out play in the yoke after reinstallation.

[nrt69]

Yep. Did all that with new parts and crush sleeve.

[cdr]

It is very easy to damage the seal while tightening the pinion nut to crush the crush sleeve , try & hold the yoke centered while tightening & removing the bearing clearance.if you let the yoke push over to the side before the sleeve has crushed it can damage the seal.

[nrt69]

How much noise should a new rebuilt rear end make?

[birdsandbees]

None if you put oil in it..

[GMP440]

A good friend of mine that taught me how to rebuild rear ends showed me that before putting in the pinion seal, smear some RTV sealant in the pinion seal cavity.  That will prevent any leaks.  That area that the pinion seal gets mounted in sometimes has gaps and and other small imperfections.   

[nrt69]

I put it back together and there is a tiny leak. Not enough to bother me right now.
The rear end noise, however, is annoying.