Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Front axel - u joints & seals

[Jerky]

Noticed right front axle leaking at wheel. U joint is shot, so is left side though not as bad. Has anyone changed these out and if so, how hard is it? Special tools needed etc? Thanks in advance. Only 86,320 miles. no zerks!



Thanks - Jerky

 

[Jerky]

Sorry about the spelling. Didn't notice the spell check feature. I guess mine will be an axel until I get it fixed. Then it will be an axle.



Jerky

 

[firemanmarc]

Wow!!! someone else having the same problem. One more thing Dodge knows about but does think it to be a safety issue. The seal needs to be changed from inside of axle, just about everything needs to come out. Was fun though for me..... Marc

 

[HEMI®Dart]

A Nightmare Fix

If you just want to do the right side seal, you can access it through the CAD or front axle engagement housing. You will need to get creative to build a seal driver. You might just as well do both sides if they are leaking. I couldn't find the special seal driver that goes through the housing either. You will probably need a "spreader" to get the carrier out of the housing.



More info: http://dieselpowerman.tripod.com/Front Axle Tech/Front Axle Tech.htm



#ad

 

[illflem]

If the difficultly of the seal replacement doesn't appeal to you try the dealer. It is one of the few jobs they do at a reasonable price, $150-$175 per side.

 

[JHalderman]

I recently replaced both front axle U-joints and when I did the right side I had done a sloppy job of putting the axle back in and had oil leaking out for several days. I pulled it all back apart and thought I ruined the seal so I prepared to put in a new seal. Upon looking into it I saw that the seal had to go in from the wheel end of the axle. I could remove the seal from the disconnect housing cover. I got a seal installer then got a 2 foot piece of pipe that fit over the installer handle and drilled and installed a bolt about 3 inches in from the end so the handle would have something to stop it from sliding all the way in to the pipe. You can then use a hammer on the end of the pipe to drive in the seal, just be carefull of your distance. I got the seal from NAPA . It's a number 16015 and cost $4. 59 each (I bought 2 cuz I knew I'd mess up the first one). The U-joints are the easy part! Just take your time.

 

[Jerky]

Thanks for all the info. I have to re look this over. Decision time!



Thanks