I have a leak coming from the rear end where the drive shaft connects to the U-joint flange. I am assuming that it is the Rear Pinion Seal. How do I replace it and How hard is it? Do I need to have a professional do it?

I just went through this same thing. Set your reader to go back 10-20 days and read the item under engine and drivetrain entitled rear pinion seal posted by Gabulldog. I won't say it was a piece of cake, but it is very self do-able if you take your time and check it all out first.
Mine was on a 71 Chevelle SS with a 10 bolt rear posi. I had the rear end rebuilt and they put in the wrong seal (too short).
good luck, Mike Reeh and Scooter helped a lot.

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71 Chevelle SS
350/350
Spring, Tx (N. of Houston)
N. Georgia motorhead

1Quik7D , There is a tech ref, you might wanna look at. http://www.chevelles.com/archive/files/rpseal.htm
I just did it a couple months ago, so if ya gotta level spot (like a garage), some tools, and some gumption go to it.

Basicially jack up the rear part of frame (use jackstands), remove cover to drain fluid from rear end.
Use a punch to mark the nut and some paint to mark where you marked the nut on the yoke. Might want to paint the drive shaft so ya know exactly the ways it goes back together.

Remove the u-bolts holding the u joint. Lower the shaft gently to the ground.

You'll have to use a B.F.wrench to loosen the pinion nut, while you use another wrench to hold the yoke.

When you work the yoke out you'll see the seal you need to get out. Use a screw driver to pry it out from the outside edge.

When you replace it, lube the edges as well as the rubber with gear oil. Reassemble. Lower back to ground. Refill rear with gear oil until starts to ooze out the fill plug.

Post any probs.



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DG
Springfield, Ohio
70 Chevelle Malibu

www.wright.edu/~adams.6/chevy.htm (http://www.wright.edu/~adams.6/chevy.htm)
Genx member (Founder 4 Ohio)
TEAM Chevelle Member #0086

here's a tip: use/buy/borrow a set of ramps to back up on to... much safer than jack stands (in my opinion) then that way you dont need another wrench to hold the ujoint flange either.. just set the e-brake or put it in gear and turn the pinion nut.

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Mike Reeh
Gold #34
San Diego, CA

To all the above responders: How do you determine the proper preload on the pinion nut? As I understand, this is very important. Bill

Make corrosponding marks on the nut and the end of the pinion/threads. When I put the pinion nut back on, I like to tweak the nut just a hair tighter and then punch the end of the nut into the threads. That is the way the factory sometimes did the nut.

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Tom Parsons