I'm changing the pinion seal on my Supercrew. The manual says to use a torque wrench and check to see how much torque it takes to turn the flange after supporting on jack stands and removal of the rear wheels and the drive shaft. It also says to count the threads exposed. Then it says to remove the nut etc and replace the seal. It then says to re-install the flange and nut and tighten to the number of threads, check the torque to turn and tighten in increments until there is about 5 inch pounds more drag than previous to account for the new seal.
Sounds easy until you try to do it. It takes very little effort to turn the flange and the result is that none of the torque wrenches that I have will do. I made some calls this morning and determined that any sort of low torque wrench or driver is very expensive. Not worthwhile for something I will seldom use. So, the question is whether anyone has any good ideas as to how else one might test and reset to similar torque value. I know that the garages just crank it on and don't worry about it and that is what I will do if need be. I can just tighten to the a5 exposed threads and will be pretty close. However, I would do it the right way if possible. One thing I believe I have seen is the use of a spring scale to test the pre-load on front wheel bearings. I believe the manual for our old Toyota 4Runner suggests that as the proper manner to test for preload. That might be possible but I suspect I would need a fairly light spring scale as it really takes very little effort to turn the flange. I suppose another idea might be a lever bolted to the flange and hanging weights on it to see what weight is required to make it turn. Anyone got better ideas? Randy _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
