Sunday, February 20th, 2011
Daily Archive
Sunday 20 Feb 2011
Car repair day!
I was the designated driver for last night’s activities, so I drove the wife’s Escape for the first time in a while. And noticed it was pulling right.
I’ve also had a leak in the diff on the Sploder for a little while now. It started small but it got bigger. So today was the day.
Thankfully to God, I had Partner to help me with both jobs; he puilled the back diff cover off while I replaced the pinion seal.
I know, now, that it’s a pinion seal, because if you ask for a DIFFERENTIAL SEAL, you won’t get one. Took Partner noticing “Pinion seal” on the screen to find the right part. Apparently, if the pinnacle of your career is to work at Autozone, being able to look up parts isn’t a big goal.
The pinion seal isn’t an easy change, but it seemed to go well. You have to make sure everything goes back together the same way it came apart, the tail end of the driveshaft will vibrate itself senseless if you don’t. Seems to be fine after a few short trips.
I had the seal changed under warranty in 01, but it’s apparently got a lifespan of about ten years.
The Escape turned out to have lost a drivers’ lower balljoint. Having done the Sploder several times the Escape was relatively simple, and it restored the steering peoperly. Still.
No bleeding. Either I’ve gotten better at this or I’m out of blood.
