Relating question about seal leakage

Just to be clear, the nut that you found loose is what holds the flange on the splines?

If so then yes that can cause the flange to walk and it will damage the seal and start leaking. I included the process for the output shaft flange. Let me know if you have other questions. Thanks

The attached instructions are all that the manual provides but to replace the seal, you can rent a seal remover or just an angled pick that will hook on the inside diameter. Take a look at the pictures. You can see on the one with the tool that it has a lip on it and that is what you use to hook on the seal and then pull it out. They say to use a slide hammer which is easier but not necessary. Also, there are a lot of other style seal removers that you can get. I would just do an internet search on this and you will find a whole lot of ways and tools.

As for the shim, you need to just reuse the one that came out. You are not taking the pinion out so just put the one back in that comes out.

You are welcome. Thanks for keeping us updated and the kind words. Looking forward to hearing you got it straightened out.