Landcruiser Diff Pinion Bearing (I think)

[Pete]

Gidday all- new here as of today.

I was wondering if anyone had any ideas / advice on a problem....

I have a 70 series cruiser. I was checking out some vibration in the drive train ( at motorway speeds ) and noticed that there is a fair amount of movement in the flange assembly on the rear diff. Also losing a bit of oil out at this point. Looking in a manual it looks as though the bearing and seal can be replaced without removing the diff head ?

Any one had any experience on this ?

Cheers,

[SupraLux]

Check the pinion nut isn't loose - quite often thats the problem. Undo the driveshaft off the pinion and stick a 32mm (from memory) socket on the nut and give it a good crank... you'll probably drop a bit of oil when you take the driveshaft off too - so don't do it on the nice clean driveway like I did the first time

Steve

[muddy]

I had the same problem on my FJ40. The pinion nut had come VERY loose. I just did as suggested - found a socket to fit & heaved it as tight as I could get it. The recommended torque setting in my Haynes manual was off the scale on my cheapie REPCO torque wrench. Then I mangled the end of the threads on the nut with a centre punch to keep it there. Haven't had a problem since, although there's a very slight oil leak now, so I guess the seal got damaged a bit when it was loose. Hopefully, you'll be as lucky as I was, & no serious damage done....

[Pete]

Thanks- makes sense - it would be good if thats all it was. I will scrounge up a big socket and give it a go...

[tomsoffroad]

Have fun getting the pinion nut tight. You might have to make some sort of tool to hold the pinion flange. I welded 2 bolts to a length of box section, the 2 bolts slid into the drive shaft bolt holes on the flange. You might as well replace the pinion seal while your at it too.

The other thing to check is the drive shaft universal joints too. These will cause a vibration if they are shuffed. If they need replacing then make sure you get ones with grease nipples.

[wopass]

just remember if your gonna pop the pinion flange off to do the seal be careful not to let the pinion drop back into the diff

[wopass]

how you getting on with your cruiser Pete ? have you had a win ?

[Pete]

Gidday,

Wimped out on this one ......Judging by oil its throwing out there I figure it'll need the seal done and with my luck probably the bearing ... so I have put it in the shop but will be sure to let you know what the outcome is. Thanks all for all the help.

Cheers,

Pete

[Pete]

Gidday,

Progress - the nut was tight but the bearing had had it. Its getting new seal and bearing. Everything else looks OK. I wonder what these bits will cost - can't wait .

Cheers,
Pete