SKF 18472 Differential Pinion Seal - Front or Rear

SKF Differential Pinion Seal 18472

SKF 18472 is a differential pinion seal built for front and rear axle applications that need reliable lubricant retention and contamination control. It is designed with a LongLife sealing surface and precise dimensions to support a proper seal at the pinion shaft.

Use this SKF differential pinion seal when servicing axle leaks on Ford Ranger, Ford Explorer, Jeep Wrangler, and other listed applications. The 18472 part number is engineered to match the specified shaft and housing dimensions for a direct-service replacement.

Key Features

• LongLife sealing surface type for durable sealing performance
• Outside diameter: 2.751 in.
• Shaft diameter: 1.842 in.
• Width: 0.426 in.
• Designed to keep gear lubricant in and road contaminants out
• SKF seal construction based on premium materials and application-specific design

Detailed Description

SKF has a long history in seal engineering, and this differential pinion seal reflects that experience with a design focused on fit, material selection, and sealing consistency. Part number 18472 is intended for axle pinion service where maintaining lubricant level is critical to differential life. It cross-references Gates 43085 for the same application.

Compatible With front axle service on 1991-2011 Ford Ranger, 1991-2010 Ford Explorer, 2007-2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, 1997-2010 Mercury Mountaineer, 2003-2009 Mazda B4000, and 2003-2005 Lincoln Aviator. It also fits rear axle applications on Jeep models including Wrangler, TJ, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Cherokee, Comanche, Wagoneer, CJ5, CJ7, Scrambler, J10, Grand Wagoneer, and related Dana/Spicer 35 axle configurations listed in the fitment data.

What This Seal Helps Address

• Gear oil seepage at the differential pinion area
• Contamination entering the axle housing through a worn seal
• Noise or wear concerns caused by low lubricant level
• Service replacement for aging axle seals on Ford, Jeep, Mazda, Mercury, and Lincoln applications
• Leak repair on Spicer 35 and Dana 35 axle setups where specified

Installation Notes and Tips

Confirm axle type, position, and seal dimensions before installation. Clean the sealing surface and inspect the pinion yoke or shaft for wear, grooves, or corrosion that could affect seal life. Proper installation depth and alignment are important for a consistent seal on the pinion shaft.

For fitment-specific service, verify the vehicle year, make, model, and axle configuration against the application list before ordering. This part number 18472 is used across both front and rear positions depending on the vehicle and axle setup.

Quality Assurance

SKF designs and manufactures seals to specific application requirements using premium materials and controlled production standards. The brand’s seal engineering heritage includes the first integrated shaft seal, and SKF seals are built to support long service life in demanding driveline environments.