Keep gear oil inside the rear axle and road grime out with the SKF differential pinion seal, part number 16500. It is a direct-fit replacement for many vehicles, among them the 1965-1970 Buick LeSabre, 1968-1970 Buick Skylark and 1964-1967 Oldsmobile Cutlass. See the "Vehicles it fits" section for the full list and engine details.
This rear differential pinion seal sits where the pinion shaft exits the differential housing. The seal body stays stationary while its lip rides against the rotating pinion yoke, holding lubricant in and keeping contaminants out.
- Tested design: Built from a tested design and quality materials for correct fit.
- Rigid metal case: The body is formed from deep drawn sheet steel, creating a rigid, stress-resistant metal case.
- Steel garter spring: The garter spring uses cold drawn steel wire for fluid retention.
- Contaminant protection: Designed to protect against dirt and water.
SKF invented the first integrated shaft seal in 1928 and has kept developing new seal designs and bonding techniques ever since. Each seal is built to a specific design, with premium materials chosen to suit the application and its environment.
Signs a pinion seal may need replacing include gear oil seeping from the nose of the rear differential, oily residue around the driveshaft yoke, or a dropping differential fluid level. If a worn pinion seal is the source of the leak, this seal replaces it. Diagnose the leak source before replacing.
Interchange: CHR 16500
CHR16500 · 1455831 · 975916500 · 1199566 · 1231562 · 1362360 · 1362857 · 1387449 · 9773216 · 9774408 · 9774409 · NS8620N · 8620N · 64401P · 145816500
This part cross-references / interchanges with the following part numbers:
1455831, 975916500, CHR 16500, 1199566, 1231562, 1362360, 1362857, 1387449, 9773216, 9774408, 9774409, NS8620N, 8620N, 64401P, 145816500
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this seal for the rear differential?
Yes. SKF 16500 is cataloged as a rear differential pinion seal for the listed Buick, Oldsmobile and Pontiac applications. See the "Vehicles it fits" section for engine details.
What does a differential pinion seal do?
It seals the opening where the pinion shaft exits the differential housing. The seal stays stationary while its lip rides on the rotating pinion yoke, keeping gear oil in and dirt and water out.
What are signs the pinion seal may need replacing?
Common signs include gear oil seeping from the nose of the differential, oily residue around the driveshaft yoke, or a low differential fluid level. Confirm the leak source before replacing.
What is the seal's case made of?
The body is deep drawn sheet steel, forming a rigid, stress-resistant metal case. The garter spring uses cold drawn steel wire.
Which numbers does SKF 16500 interchange with?
It cross-references numbers including CHR 16500, 1455831, 975916500, NS8620N, 8620N and 64401P. See the Interchange line for the full list.
