I'm gonna replace the pinion seal on my '89 XJS, 'cause I see it's leaking. I read an informative replacement thread on this site, good job, as always, guys. The expensive seal is about $70, the cheap one, listed as an alternate by a major supplier, is about $17. The expensive one seems too much, the cheap one seems too cheap. Which should I get?

 

Where the job is critical and involves a lot of labour, the best parts are the best choice.

 

You are right. I was leaning toward the expensive one, but see nothing wrong with an over the counter, generic seal, that seems to fit lots of applications. Anyway, ordered from a major supplier. Read all the installation bits here, and, will attempt the impossible soon.

 

Ahh ... I thought you were talking URO part or something.

If you are looking at standard seals from a bearing house, it becomes a different story. Look at the maker and look at the detailed specs.

A possible source of help is to go and look at JF member Don B's photo albums over at Jag Lovers. I think he has one for a complete diff rebuild of a similar diff.

 

The one I bought was in the $17 range. It looked like a quality part. I installed it a couple years ago and it does not leak.

BTW, the whole job is not that hard. You could probably do it in the car!

 

Fastkat, I bought one for $32, when it comes in, I am going to install it at a friend's garage. I am now in the process of talking him through the job. I got him to help get the car started, replace the power steering hoses, replace 4 brake calipers, suspension parts, now this. I even got him behind the wheel, he seemed to like V12 power. He has a 396 '68 Impala, and a '70 Olds, 442, with a 455. He went from not being able to look at the car, to driving it.