Bent yoke sleeve, Options?

[abohler1]

I attempted to change my pinion seal and used a puller to get the yoke off. In doing so, I bent the yoke sleeve. Asking for suggestions on how to move forward. Do I need the sleeve? Can I get it off with a cutting wheel or dremel and put back on? Is it needed for sealing the new pinion seal? Thanks much.

[homemade87]

What you bent up was the mud dirt rain shield . It has nothing to do with the sealing of the pinion . It only keeps dirt and whatever is thrown at it from getting to the seal .

You could try to straighten it as best you can . That shield comes with the yoke on it only . If you do a lot of off road you may want to keep it . If just an occasional driver removing it would be ok .

You should be able to straighten it ok with no ill affects .

[B. W.]

Ditto, you can remove it with no ill effects. You can usually just tap it off with a hammer & punch.

[68Gold/white]

Might be easier to straighten by removing. I'd try to keep it, if possible...

[abohler1]

Thanks guys. Was able to tap it off pretty easy. Was not able to get it back on so went without. Got everything back together and truck runs great. Appreciate the help.