3 new pinion seals in 3 yrs normal for 02 TA?

**FLEX3269** · 09-23-2009, 11:11 AM

I just took my 02 Ta in for its 3rd pinion seal in the past 3 yrs so far. This doesnt sound normal to me, for some reason it keeps leaking. I dont take it to the track and race but once in a blue moon i do floor it off the line. I had a 88 firebird for 12 yrs and never changed the seal 1nce!!! To further add insult to injury today the pinion bearing are being replaced for the second time in 3 yrs. Anyone else have anywhere close to the same problems???

ps. both times the bearings have gone out have been right after i had my seal replaced hhhhhmmmmmm.

**tep98ws6** · 09-23-2009, 12:01 PM

from what i understand, it is very common for the pinion seal to seep but not leak to a drip. i've always been told to take care of it if it's low on fluid or leaking to a drip, but if it's seeping, don't worry about it, seepage comes with age. was your's dripping or seeping?

**shady milkman** · 09-23-2009, 12:30 PM

Originally Posted by tep98ws6

from what i understand, it is very common for the pinion seal to seep but not leak to a drip. i've always been told to take care of it if it's low on fluid or leaking to a drip, but if it's seeping, don't worry about it, seepage comes with age. was your's dripping or seeping?

x2..but if you are leaking..then its not normal

**tep98ws6** · 09-23-2009, 12:32 PM

Originally Posted by shady milkman

x2..but if you are leaking..then its not normal

well duh, if you're creating puddles then you should probably replace the pinion seal... for your rear end's sake and the driveway's sake.

**FLEX3269** · 09-23-2009, 04:05 PM

Originally Posted by tep98ws6

from what i understand, it is very common for the pinion seal to seep but not leak to a drip. i've always been told to take care of it if it's low on fluid or leaking to a drip, but if it's seeping, don't worry about it, seepage comes with age. was your's dripping or seeping?

It was just seeping, i wish i would have know that earlier because i probly wouldnt have had to replace my pinion bearings now

**Cutlass** · 09-26-2009, 04:41 AM

Mine was leaking so I replaced the pinion seal. A few weeks later it was leaking again. So yeah, it does happen. I think I'm gonna try a different brand seal.

**bills98ta** · 09-26-2009, 05:57 AM

Make sure the crush collar is seated the whole way so there's no play in the pinion bearings, and check the pinion angle too. A4 down 1 1/2* - 2* and an M6 down 2* - 3*

**98Hardtop** · 09-26-2009, 12:02 PM

Here is a how to that I did when I replaced my pinion seal.
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/gears-...placement.html

If you have a shop do it they usually have a parts warranty. IIRC, GM parts have a 12/12k warranty. Might be worth the look see.