Classic Rover Diff Pinion Seal Depth and Flange Issues

Hey there,

I know this sort of topic has been discussed possibly a thousand times but i couldn't exactly find what i am looking for, so here we go. Replaced the pinion seal on the front Rover diff on the Rangie. An 82 model.

The seal I fitted is the one the parts catalogue says will do and has part number FRC4586. Visually it was the same as the one i removed which was dried out completely.

However upon fitting it and doing up the nut again even before the final torque figure had been achieved the seal got pushed, by the flange and the mud-shield, further inwards. What concerned me and still does is the fact that FRC4586 has a shoulder on its outer circumference. I have the original tool to install these and judging by the way the tool works that shoulder must sit flush with the diff noses top surface. The flange, i inspected and it had no high points on it.

From what I can see, its very slightly leaking again. The parts catalogue also states that seal FRC8220 can be used but with a different mud-shield (part number FRC8154) but it also mentions that this whole assembly is for models from 1985 and on.

The diff has never been opened up and has normal slack on it. I don't think its pinion height related however I would be glad to be enlightened on this if anyone has feedback on similar scenarios.

I believe i could fit FRC4586 (the seal with the shoulder) but use the later, less protruding mud-shield FRC8154 instead of 236072. Would that be correct or cause more harm than good ?

Let me know and many thanks !

It it's anything like a Defender then different seals have different mud shields. You can swap mud shields to suit the relevant seal .

Anaconda said:

It it's anything like a Defender then different seals have different mud shields. You can swap mud shields to suit the relevant seal .

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Hey,

Thanks for the quick response !

I know, i was only wondering whether mixing seals and mud-shields would be possible. The parts I wish to mix, i don't think would interfere with each other but I am not sure enough hehe.

Anyway, its gonna come apart again and inspect what the hell is wrong with it.

Cheers !

Might be some help.

If the flange itself is worn then you will be changing the seal on a regular basis.
Cortico seals seam to be good and not expensive.

If you have a groove worn into the flange then you'll struggle to get a good leak free seal.
Cure is either a new flange - which I did on my '86 - or the appropriate size speedisleeve.

Anaconda said:

If the flange itself is worn then you will be changing the seal on a regular basis.
Cortico seals seam to be good and not expensive.

Click to expand...

Sorry for my late reply !

Yep Corteco do produce some good quality seals and not expensive as well !

There must be a groove or something similar on the flange that i am not aware of that must be causing the seals to slowly fail.

Gonna replace it for good measure. Also checked the rear diff which has never ever been touched and the seals shoulder is not flush with the diffs nose like i imagined. So it must be good depth - wise at least.

Ratae said:

If you have a groove worn into the flange then you'll struggle to get a good leak free seal.
Cure is either a new flange - which I did on my '86 - or the appropriate size speedisleeve.

Click to expand...

I think new flange will be the way forwards to be honest ! Thanks for the input !