easy question(s) but I don't know the answer

[texas pinzgauer]

I've got a leak coming from the center passenger side wheel. I can't tell what's going on so I've got to get in there and have a look around.

So I have a 2 part question.

From what point should I be jacking from to get access to the center right side wheel? Rear most differential, center differential...where???

As long as i have your attention, is there a "common" cause for a gear oil leak from the wheel? I'd love to dig into it knowing what I'm looking for and having the right parts in hand to swap them out. This is the first underside leak I've had with either Pinzgauer so I'm curious to see what the problem might be and I'd ideally have the right parts with me before the truck goes up in the air so I can begin looking. If this is problematic for a typical reasonably handly Pinz owner, let me know that too.

Guiance on the jacking point question and also any thoughts on common or typical causes for leaks from the wheel would be appreciated!

David

[4x4Pinz]

I had a piece of 4"sq metal tubing made to fit in my floor jack so it would span the entire differential. I just lift from the diff and set jack stands under the outer portion of the axle.

Sounds like you have lost a wheel bearing seal. Not a bad job if you have a bearing puller and a press. The problem with getting the parts first for this job is you don't know which seal size you have (there are at least 2 sizes) or if the bearing is bad also.

[texas pinzgauer]

So ideally, you would lift both differentials at the same time? That sounds good but can your average 2 ton Northern Tool jack handle that sort of load?

No such things as " the wheel bearings from a 73 712" or did they would change periodically over the course of being manufacturered?

[texas pinzgauer]

Is this the sort of problem i can live with for a while before tackling or should I park it until I'm ready to do this repair. That's prbably another dumb question but I've got a little off roading trip planned for next weekend about 100 miles from here and I certainly don't want to tear anything up additionally if running it is going to cause exponential harm.

[4x4Pinz]

The bearing that goes bad, if it is bad is
http://www.pinzgauer.com/showdetails.ph ... o=9006311/

A two ton should lift it assuming it is in good shape. My floor jack is only a 3 ton and it does not strain at all. When servicing my 712 I usually lift and support the rear from the center differential and then from the front. Any chance I get to check and adjust brakes I take. Just the other day I found a broken spring in the front brake system.

[4x4Pinz]

If you are not aware, there is a small drain hole that helps direct this leak out of the brake system. A small piece of wire to clean it out will buy you some time before the repair is needed, assuming the leak is your regular small leak. On a couple of occasions I did not get to it in time and the leak stopped for a little while.

[texas pinzgauer]

There you go, one of those problems that fixes itself! Thanks for the guidance.

[undysworld]

David,

To jack up the rear of my 712, I use 4) 2x10's about 5' long laid flat atop a shop jack (the bottom 2x is only about 2' long). That way both differentials are supported. A two ton jack will easily lift it. Then I block that up with jack stands located under each differential too.

I guess I'd try to determine what type of fluid is leaking: brake fluid or gear lube. Gear lube usually stinks. (EDIT) D'oh, I guess you said it was gear oil. Sorry.

Assuming it's gear lube, 4x4 is correct, there are two different size seals used. See #17 here: http://www.pinzgauer.com/parts.php?cat= ... view=04-10 You could just order both sizes, as they're not too expensive. I don't think there is any way to determine the size you need but by disassembly.

A floor transmission jack works well to support the wheel drive when it's coming off or going back on. (Be sure to order a new o-ring #14 for reassembly: http://www.pinzgauer.com/parts.php?cat= ... view=04-05 )

Pulling gear (#20 in diagram) is a bit tricky, but Harbor Freight sells a puller which can be slightly modified to work well. http://www.harborfreight.com/14-piece-g ... 30305.html I had to grind down the silver-colored arms to fit properly.

Good luck on it.

[texas pinzgauer]

Sounds like I'll jack it up, go in and have a look around, note what looks right and wrong, orderthe parts (all of them) and then take it to my local shop that handles the stuff I don't do myself...the list of which just got a little longer based on your description of my problem!

[undysworld]

Check the bearings for roughness, but if the fluid level in the wheel drive is ok, and the fluid is not getting onto the brakes, I'd think you could probably drive it without worries for the weekend. I'd allow yourself an open schedule when you tear into this for the first time. Getting a wheel-drive unit off and on again often requires several hours, and that's not counting the actual repair.

If you're handy, and especially if you've got a mechanic friend, it isn't too bad.

[texas pinzgauer]

My concerns are the lack of parts of and the lack of having personal familarity with the wheel assembly as I've not done the service myself on them previously.

My guy up the street and the 2" thick factory manual seem to be getting it done for me so far.

[4x4Pinz]

To do the seal you don't need to take the wheel drive off. Everything can be removed to do this job with the wheel drive left in place. All these components are in the backing plate assembly which removes separate from the wheel drive. Actually a very straight forward project.

[texas pinzgauer]

Well I still need to jack it up, full the wheel off to have a look so I'll do that to at least get familar with the assembly so i can steer my repair shop in the right direction.

Thanks guys