Rear Pinion Nut Socket

rs43506 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-14-2004, 12:00 PM

Hello to all,
I am new to posting at this board, but have been lurking for awhile. This site is full of great advice!

At any rate, I have a 1988 Spyder with a leaking rear pinion seal. I have thus far been unable to locate the factory tool. But, I do have the dimensions of the factory tool and have acess to a laser cutter by which I could make such a tool.

I am making one for myself and the programming should be complete very soon. My question is, is there anyone else interested in such a thing? If there is a market for these I can easily make more.

Thanks for your advice!
Ryan

Farace · #2 (**permalink**) 05-14-2004, 12:21 PM

What would be the cost? IAP has the socket for $30. If it's somewhat less, I might be interested.

rs43506 · #3 (**permalink**) 05-14-2004, 01:09 PM

I'm guessing the price would be under IAP's price. I actually tried to order one from IAP and was told they are "indefinitely backordered." That is what prompted me to pursue making my own. My pinion is leaking pretty badly, but without this tool I'm unable to repair it.

I haven't been able to locate the tool elsewhere either. It would be easier for me if I could just buy the darn tool. If anyone knows of any sources it would be greatly appreciated. But in the meantime, I'm going to make my own.

Ryan

Farace · #4 (**permalink**) 05-14-2004, 01:49 PM

What's your timeframe on this? I just got my block back yesterday, I'll get my head back tomorrow, and I'm waiting on some parts. Where I'm going with this is, once I have the engine back together (which will be at least a week, considering the parts wait, and probably longer because I'm sure I'll come across something I should have ordered), I'll be putting the engine and tranny back in and then the driveshaft. I'd love to be able to change my pinion seal before I put the driveshaft back, but it's not that big of a deal if I have to wait and do it later.

**Roadtrip** · #5 (**permalink**) 05-14-2004, 02:39 PM

Check the other threads on the pinion seal replacement. Don't be surprised if you can screw off the pinion nut with your fingers due to wear in the bearings. The seal itself is a snap to R&R. If I had it to do over again, I think I'd jack the front of the car up to minimize oil loss.

Farace · #6 (**permalink**) 05-14-2004, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roadtrip

Don't be surprised if you can screw off the pinion nut with your fingers due to wear in the bearings.

**Roadtrip** · #7 (**permalink**) 05-14-2004, 05:16 PM

"Then again, we don't want to install it finger-tight, do we?"

Ah, there's the rub. Look under the other thread on pinion seal that I started. The Readers' Digest version is that the nut was very loose (say 10-15 lbs torque, I think), rather than the 60lbs specified. I put it back on with the same amount of torque because at 60 lbs, it bound the pinion bearings. It seems ok, no noise or vibration.

Farace · #8 (**permalink**) 05-14-2004, 09:22 PM

Yes, I remember that thread now. Would you say that's an anomaly, though? I guess I'll see if I can move it with my fingers because I don't have anything else to turn it with right now. I maybe the lesson is that I should reinstall it back to whatever I find it to be.