55-62 Differential Pinion Seal - Which is correct?

[Bob B.]

Hi all,

First time I've needed to replace a pinion seal on a C1 differential. The replacements offered by more than one source do not match what came off. The replacement (l) is just a stamped cup with a rubber seal in the middle, whereas the original (r) has a raised stamped area and the seal is rubber with tiny springs encircling to provide pressure for better sealing.

Moreover, the second pic shows where the old seal came off shows and you can see how the raised metal area has polished the part of the face of the bearing, which seems to be there to help hold the bearing??

So I'm just not seeing how the replacement can be correct. If not, anyone know of a source for the one that came off?

Thanks,

Bob

[Joe L.]

Re: 55-62 Differential Pinion Seal - Which is correct?

Hi all,

First time I've needed to replace a pinion seal on a C1 differential. The replacements offered by more than one source do not match what came off. The replacement (l) is just a stamped cup with a rubber seal in the middle, whereas the original (r) has a raised stamped area and the seal is rubber with tiny springs encircling to provide pressure for better sealing.

Moreover, the second pic shows where the old seal came off shows and you can see how the raised metal area has polished the part of the face of the bearing, which seems to be there to help hold the bearing??

So I'm just not seeing how the replacement can be correct. If not, anyone know of a source for the one that came off?

Thanks,

Bob

Bob-------


The new seal is the design that replaced the original seal design MANY years ago. I believe that all of the major seal manufacturers use this design now. If there are exceptions I don't know of them. The current design works well, though.

[Richard G.]

Re: 55-62 Differential Pinion Seal - Which is correct?

Seals are never designed to help retrain the bearing.
The pinion nut transfers the axial forces along with the crush sleeve. The bearing's interference fit supports the radial force.

The polished are of the inner race is from the yolk pressing on the bearing. The seal never touches this area, if we are referencing the same spot.
It appears to me the bearing has possibility been rotating on the shaft. I would lightly tap the end with a small rubber hammer to see if it moves in the axial direction. If it does the bearing fit is out of specification.

I have never heard of a judge deducting points for the seal type.
However, I believe am sure their would be deductions if it leaked.
Rick

[Joe L.]

Re: 55-62 Differential Pinion Seal - Which is correct?

Hi all,

First time I've needed to replace a pinion seal on a C1 differential. The replacements offered by more than one source do not match what came off. The replacement (l) is just a stamped cup with a rubber seal in the middle, whereas the original (r) has a raised stamped area and the seal is rubber with tiny springs encircling to provide pressure for better sealing.

Moreover, the second pic shows where the old seal came off shows and you can see how the raised metal area has polished the part of the face of the bearing, which seems to be there to help hold the bearing??

So I'm just not seeing how the replacement can be correct. If not, anyone know of a source for the one that came off?

Thanks,

Bob

Bob------


I should also have mentioned, the new seal you picture, while of the newer bonded design, is a rather "el-cheapo". The better bonded seals still have a small, circumferential spring which increases tension. So, if it were me, I'd use a name brand seal. For example, the Timken 6818 is such a seal for your application.

If you want a totally original configuration seal, you could look for an NOS GM #3776800 or GM #3865358. I don't really think you need to, though.