S3 Diff

[ttaunton]

I'm replacing the pinion oil seal on my diff. The diff is in good condition, with no problems apart from leaking oil from the seal. I have removed the nut and drive flange and old seal. I am not replacing the tapered pinion bearings. What is to stop me reassembling everything including the original collapsible spacer and tightening down the flange nut until it mates up with the original staking on the pinion shaft? Then everything will be exactly as it was and I don't have to go through the procedure of setting the pre-load etc with a new collapsible spacer. Any thoughts?

[lotuselan2]

ttaunton

I think you are correct. The purpose of the collapsible spacer is to make up for differences in tolerances of machining on the bearing seat and shoulder on the pinion. Since you are not changing any of this the spacer should be the right thickness. Replace the seal and take care with torquing the nut and you should be ready to go.

Ken

[elansprint71]

I did exactly this over a year ago; naturally feared the worst but so far so good.

Keep an eye out for drips on the garage floor.

Cheers,
Pete.