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Classic/Antique Car Repair/Pinion nut torque specification

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Expert: - 9/15/2009


Question
I would like to know what is the torque specification of the pinion nut on the rear differential of a 1961 Bel Air as i need to replace the pinion seal?

Answer
REPLACE PINION SEAL.

The procedure that I use to replace a pinion seal while the differential is in the car is as follows. With a center punch I mark the nut and the pinion shaft so that I have alignment marks when replacing the nut. Then remove the nut counting the number of turn. Remove and replace the flange and seal and re install the nut counting turns. Finally align the nut with the marks and you have returned the nut and adjustment to exactly where it was before the repairs. I have used this practice for 50 years after being shown it by my great uncle who was a field engineer for the old Peerless Motor Car Company.
The torque listed in the factory repair proceedure is used when replacing the crush collar with a new one that is located between the two pinion bearings. This proceedure will reset the preload right were is was. Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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