Timken 1173 Differential Pinion Seal - Front, Rear or Rear Outer

Timken 1173 Differential Pinion Seal

The Timken 1173 differential pinion seal is built for rear axle sealing where lubricant retention and contamination control matter. It is a direct-fit style seal for select Subaru, Saab, and Nissan applications, including Subaru Forester, Outback, Baja, and Saab 9-2X rear differential service.

Key Features

• Precision sealing design helps keep gear oil in the differential and dirt out
• Reinforced outer case resists installation damage and adds durability
• N-Polyacrylate sealing material is selected for oil and grease seal applications
• Ribbed rubber inner diameter helps seal minor shaft imperfections and supports stable seating
• Internal contamination exclusion features help block debris that can lead to leakage
• Vent holes promote lubricant flow around the seal lip to reduce heat buildup
• Measures 2.648 in. outside diameter, 1.378 in. shaft diameter, 2.638 in. housing bore, and 0.472 in. width

Detailed Description

Timken 1173 is a differential pinion seal designed around precise dimensions and durable sealing materials for rear axle service. The seal’s N-Polyacrylate construction, reinforced outer case, and ribbed inner diameter work together to maintain a tight seal at the pinion area while helping protect the differential from contamination. This makes it a practical choice for rear differential repair on vehicles such as the Subaru Forester, Subaru Outback, Subaru Baja, and Saab 9-2X, as well as select Nissan Sentra rear outer axle applications with R180 and R180A axles. This part cross-references National 1173 for the same application.

What It Helps Address

• Rear differential gear oil leakage at the pinion seal
• Contamination entering the axle or differential housing
• Seal wear caused by heat buildup around the lip
• Minor shaft surface imperfections that can affect sealing
• Installation damage to the seal case during service

Installation Notes and Tips

Verify shaft diameter, housing bore, and width before installation to confirm the seal matches the axle housing. Clean the sealing surface thoroughly and inspect the pinion area for wear, scoring, or debris before pressing the seal into place. For fitment reference, this seal fits 2003-2008 Subaru Forester, rear; 1998-2001 Subaru Forester, rear; 2000-2008 Subaru Outback, rear; 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X, rear; 2003-2006 Subaru Baja, rear; 1986-1989 Nissan Sentra, rear outer, R180/R180A axles; 1976-1987 Subaru Standard, front; and 1980-1982 Subaru Standard, rear.

Quality Assurance

Timken oil and grease seals are engineered with precision sealing features and contamination control details to support dependable driveline service. The reinforced case and vented design reflect Timken’s focus on durability and heat management in sealing applications.