Rear pinion seal leak

[XIT]

My car was leaking from the diff. I figured out its the pinion seal. Tried to do it myself but no matter what I did I couldn't get the flange off that sits in front of the seal. I don't have a puller so I decided I'd just take it in so it can be fixed during work. They never called me to tell me that the seal was replaced but instead just kept my car there. I called them the same day i took it in and they said it's been done a while. Also said that it fixed the leak but it will start again in a couple days because I need bushings. I'm thinking that's total bs. Why would the bushings affect the pinion seal??? Anyway just want to ask if it's a legitimate problem or if I'm just getting bs'd. I want to pick my car up asap and if I don't need bushings I can. Thanks

 

[2gmitsueclipse]

The bushings act like motor mounts. They hold the differential in place while absorbing vibration. Just like when a motor mount goes bad, a failed differential bushing will allow too much movement of the differential whe load is applied. This can cause pre-mature bearing wear/failure withing the differential. The seal the shop replaced can also be caused from failed differential bushings. If you check out the rear differential bushings, look for rips or what look like cuts near or around the center. I replaced mine this year. I decided to drop the sub frame and replace the bushings for the differential and rear sub frame. My pinion shaft seal was also leaking.

If you decide to try this job out, check out the guide I used as reference below. I did not follow it fully, but was a good resource for advice:

Differential
http://www.roadraceengineering.com/2gbushinstall.htm

Rear subframe
http://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/how-to-install-boostx-2g-awd-rear-subframe-bushings.410611/

I ended up using the Split-Motorsports bushings (differential and rear subframe) as the original manufacturer of the poly mounts did not get back to me about buying them until nearly two months later. At the same time, I also replaced the rear sub frame mounts with poly ones as well. All were purchased from Extremepsi.

 

[Boobla]

Second that one, put some urethane bushings in it and you will never have to deal with that again.

http://www.maperformance.com/split-...rear-differential-bushings-dsm-1995-1999.html

 

[XIT]

The bushings act like motor mounts. They hold the differential in place while absorbing vibration. Just like when a motor mount goes bad, a failed differential bushing will allow too much movement of the differential whe load is applied. This can cause pre-mature bearing wear/failure withing the differential. The seal the shop replaced can also be caused from failed differential bushings. If you check out the rear differential bushings, look for rips or what look like cuts near or around the center. I replaced mine this year. I decided to drop the sub frame and replace the bushings for the differential and rear sub frame. My pinion shaft seal was also leaking.

If you decide to try this job out, check out the guide I used as reference below. I did not follow it fully, but was a good resource for advice:

Differential
http://www.roadraceengineering.com/2gbushinstall.htm

Rear subframe
http://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/how-to-install-boostx-2g-awd-rear-subframe-bushings.410611/

I ended up using the Split-Motorsports bushings (differential and rear subframe) as the original manufacturer of the poly mounts did not get back to me about buying them until nearly two months later. At the same time, I also replaced the rear sub frame mounts with poly ones as well. All were purchased from Extremepsi.

So do think I should just pick up my car and see if the leak continues and check my bushings?

 

[2gmitsueclipse]

It is your choice on what you do with the information you have been given. Whether you check out the bushings or let it go until other issues arise.

 

[Boobla]

If you like your car, check and replace the bushings. If you keep wearing out seals like that you could grove the shaft then your f###ed and it turns into a way bigger job.

 

[XIT]

It is your choice on what you do with the information you have been given. Whether you check out the bushings or let it go until other issues arise.

Talked to the mechanic again and now he's saying that the whole rear subframe is shot due to the bushings. Is this possible?

 

[2gmitsueclipse]

By shot, I assume your mechanic is saying that the bushings need replaced. The rear subframe needs to come out to install the differential bushings, so you may as well swap the sub frame bushings as well. I had suggested this in my first post.

 

[XIT]

By shot, I assume your mechanic is saying that the bushings need replaced. The rear subframe needs to come out to install the differential bushings, so you may as well swap the sub frame bushings as well. I had suggested this in my first post.

he's trying to say I need a whole new subframe.

 

[Boobla]

That's not good, it could just be really rotten, and guess what ur rear cross member is probably rotten too. Common problem with these cars. I just had to deal with the same senerio but my subframe was ok.... Luckily

 

[2gmitsueclipse]

Did you look for yourself?

 

[XIT]

That's not good, it could just be really rotten, and guess what ur rear cross member is probably rotten too. Common problem with these cars. I just had to deal with the same senerio but my subframe was ok.... Luckily

He tried bsing me by saying the diff bushings are bad (which they are) but he said the whole subframe need to be replaced to get the bushings replaced. So I'm going to burn them out and replace them myself.

 

[Boobla]

Repace them with poly bushings, you won't have to deal with them again. Hope you get it all sorted out.