I replaced the rear diff pinion seal a while ago. I thought would be okay to mark the nut so in an attempt to re-apply the same amount of preload but I'm not sure if this worked.

Now, when I'm coasting there's a grindy-howl type noise coming from the rear. It goes away if its under load, either accelerating or decelerating. So I'm thinking its a "lash" thing and the preload wasn't properly applied but IDK if its too tight or not tight enough now.

Would I be okay going back in and giving the nut about an 1/8 turn more and seeing if that quiets it down? I want to avoid tearing into it because at that point i'm out of my level of understanding.

'92 Pickup 4x4 22RE manual

 

I've done the same thing you have to replace a pinion seal a few times and it worked out ok even though it's not the "correct" way. If it's making noise like you describe it's not good and may have damage already done. You can try and tweak it a bit tighter but I think it may be failing at this point. I'd check and see how the oil looks.

I always build my diffs with a solid pinion spacer instead of the crush sleeve. It makes seal changes much easier. If you get yours rebuilt, request a solid spacer. It's worth it.

Good luck with it. I hope you caught it in time. Please follow up with how it all works out.

Scott in AZ.

 

Good advice. I'll drain the fluid first and see if there's any damage. Either way, snug it down a bit and try to get through the rest of summer.