Re: Retainer wrench specs?
Important part is knowing how tight to retighten it for the correct bearing preload. If not sure mark the retainer so you can tighten it back to the exact same spot after changing the seal.
Sometimes you can remove them with a suitable punch and hammer. Use lots of penetrating oil.
the retainer has nothing to do with bearing preload, at least not setting it
the bearing preload in the upper is controlled/set by the nut and washer that holds the drive gear and bearing pack on the yoke shaft - most are 3-7 lb/in rolling torque for used bearings
also, there are two retainers one for the upper and one for the bearing carrier on the lower
torque specs are 200 lb/ft, which on the lower is easy because your torque wrench will be attached to the "center" of the tool for tightening the retainer
the upper retainer torque spec is the same (200lb/ft) but the setting on your torque wrench is dependent on the length of the wrench - you are attaching the torque wrench to the end of the special tool (wrench)
marking the retainer is useless because you are assuming the last person torqued it correctly
a seal puller is the best tool to use for removing old seals, it gives the least chance of damaging seal reatainers
if you can locate an OEM manual for your drive, it will give proper step by step procudures and torque specs and a list of special tools needed with part numbers
the part numbers can come in handy for locating aftermarket tools that cross reference OEM part numbers
