Re-Gasketing a HO72 Pinion Flange

[Sheepdip]

Looking to the experts for answers here, my 1 ton dually has developed a very minute drip from the pinion flange after it's warmed up and parked, but stops dripping once it cools down.

It's driving me nuts to think I might have to change Otis's name to Spot.

Question is.... can I pull the pinion assembly, gasket/silicon it, reinstall/torque without screwing up any tolerances?

[kwmech]

Clean surfaces and use a thin bead of silicone or the GM gasket maker that comes in a small tube. Same stuff GM uses for the t-case halves

[Killer Bee]

haven't had any of my old Eaton HOs open yet to verify what's inside..

but if above is correct and no gasket is required for clearance issues, this is good stuff!

Permatex® Anaerobic Flange Sealant

make sure to stone both surfaces for high spots, get 'em both nice n flat..

under chassis components like this are vulnerable to ground and road debris impacts..

blunt force on a flange mating surface can distress the metal creating high spots and heave the parts apart creating leaks.. if surfaces aren't stoned or filed flat and smooth, they will continue leaking..

I've done this on hundreds of hydrosat trans component cases and end caps to restore sealing surface..

good luck!