Rear diff pinion oil seal

hi, I am currently replacing the seal on my rear diff due to a leak.
Managed to get everything off up to the seal which is a real pain. I have used a screwdriver and a hose pick with no real joy I seem to be getting the softer inside part out but the flat surface on top seems to have been stuck down.
Is it a case of slowly scraping it avoiding scratches or am I missing a trick?

Managed to get the castle nut off by using a different special tool, I had this lying around from when I had to change the fan on a disco, turns out the holes are just the right spacing and size to attach it to with the old prop nuts.

lever bar might help ,seals can take some levering out, you wont hurt the diff housing

That was my worry so I can give it a good lever from the back?
I was worried I would damage the casing

Big screwdriver or small pry bar. If you get the blade behind the seal on one side you can pivot it against the casing on the other. Doesn't matter about damaging the seal as you're going to fit a new one anyway.

That's a good idea about the fan spanner. I must see if mine fits in the same way.

Thanks Brown, I will have another go today feel I have probably made it a harder job as I managed to get some of the inside soft part out last night so don't think I'm going to have much to grip on. But I guess it will be a slow procedure just trying not to put whatever sharp object I have through my finger!

Yes I was quiet pleased with the fan spanner hence the picture! The holes only line up on two of the flange holes not a perfect fit but putting them on loose enabled them to fit tight in the end. It was not long enough to Quiet reach the floor so I turned the flange until I could position the spanner above one of the supports under the car.

I think the seal has been put in with cement!! I have found the inside lip I've got the biggest screwdriver / lever on it and it won't budge!! Having a rest for the rest of the day !!

Looking at the old flange is the pitting on the shaft anything to worry about? I'm replacing the flange but wondered if it points to any other problem?

flange is worn,and would wear new seal quicker,quite normal on an old diff

Brown said:

Big screwdriver or small pry bar. If you get the blade behind the seal on one side you can pivot it against the casing on the other. Doesn't matter about damaging the seal as you're going to fit a new one anyway.

That's a good idea about the fan spanner. I must see if mine fits in the same way.

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I have one of those too thanks for the tip.
As James says the old flange will take its toll on the new seal and it wont last as long.

I have a new flange on the way I was more worried if it would have done any damage on the diff?

Tonym3 said:

I have a new flange on the way I was more worried if it would have done any damage on the diff?

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none

Thanks James just got to keep on at the old seal now!

You can drill the seal and screw a self tapper in then use that to lever it out with a claw hammer. Alternatively get a small cold chisel and collapse the seal inwards toward the pinion shaft, that should release its grip on the housing and allow you to pull it out.