tvr version of BTR diff, pinion seal replacement

[spitfire4v8]

Has anyone replaced the pinion seal on the BTR diff (No idea if it varies compared to other BTRs but Ive posted this in the tvr section just in case)

I'm struggling to find a manual or exploded diagram of anything other than live axle version of BTR rear end products.

If anyone has done a seal replacement did they …?

1) mark the pinion nut and put it back to the exact same position

2) use a new nut and re-torque to a setting?

3) hand it over to an expert for a rebuild (rather costly and time-consuming)

4) any other method that worked long-term.

[Andy_mr2sc]

I'm sure John Readman would hand over said information. He rebuilt the diff on your Tuscan (and supplied the c/r gear set) and is a very approachable chap.


It's not his rebuild that's leaking is it?!!

[spitfire4v8]

No it's not that diff that's leaking (though sadly that does now whine like a banshee and I will swap it out for a 3.45 when I can't stand it any more lol) but it's for a customer car that's coming in and want to avoid the whining / future leaking if at all possible, but without the expense of removing the diff and sending it off somewhere.

I'm not sure if the front end is collapsible spacer, shims, solid spacer and shims, taper bearings or what ..

[Andy_mr2sc]

Ah ok sorry can't help. That's a bit of a worry about your diff though. It couldn't have done many miles....

[Boosted Cerb]

Hi Joolz,

It’s a crush washer so officially only a once use. You tighten to a torque which is just enough to give a small amount of resistance when the pinion is turned so technically the crown wheel needs to be removed for this.

Saying that, the Aussies do change the seal and retorque adding just a bit more preload. Most btr diffs use the crush washer.

The problem is there isn’t enough space in the tvr transmission tunnel to swing a long enough bar to tighten the nut. Even though the pre load on the pinion is measured in “inch pounds” the nut has to be eff’n tight to get to this!!

I’ve got some details somewhere, I’ll try and dig it out
Rich

[spitfire4v8]

Thanks Rich that would be great.

Sounds like (unless I want to leave myself open for repairing a diff due to incorrect preload after refitting the pinion nut) I might leave this job alone ...