Front Axle Seals

[Jff24Gordn]

Has anybody ever changed the seals in the front axle? My drivers side has started to leak. I will have access to a sevice manual scans sometime soon. I just want to hear any tip or tricks from people who have done this. I also might do the passnager side and both u-joints while its apart. The U-joints have been done before, but it doesnt cost much and might as well.

 

[BIG BOB]

From my understanding, it is a real pain in the A$$! You have to not only take the axles out but the differential also.



My front axle has been leaking for about 2 months, I keep putting gear oil in it to prevent any problems. Tomorrow it goes into the shop to replace both front axle seals, both U-joints and all 4 ball joints if needed. I have been quoted around $600. 00 for everything worst case senerio. I think the labor was around $350 just to replace the seals. This way everything that is associated with replacing the seals will be replaced and good for another 100,000 miles.



My suggestion to you is take it to a knowledgable shop and have it done.

 

[illflem]

The drivers side seal isn't too bad to replace, the pass. requires special tools and is a PITA. As reported here and in my own personal experience the front seals many times will heal themselves, the seal I bought for my drivers side is still behind the seat after three years and no leaks. Give it a couple hundred miles and see if it stops, make sure to keep the oil level up in the meantime.

 

[BPINE]

That is god to hear illflem that's exactly what happened to mine it started leaking at MM and by the time I got home no more leak and it has been fine for the last 3k miles. Give it just a bit jff just to see what happens I don't beleave in things fixing themselves but what can I say mine did for now.

 

[rotohead]

The drivers side is the hard one. Both sides of mine started leaking earlier this summer after I had a brake job done, and hating the thought of replacing them, I have driven at least 3000 miles watching, first the pass side slowly stop leaking, and finally the drivers side is down to a very slight seep. But it took awhile. And this is from having the rotors removed and turned. They split the bearings and all that abuse, I feel, caused the leaks. A good reason to turn the rotors on the truck. I would take a can of brake cleaner and spray it up the axle tube trying to clean it out. Don't know if that effected anything one way or the other but I was advised to do it.

 

[Cooker]

I need to do mine as well. Here is a good link I found you might want to check out before you tear into it.



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



-Ryan

 

[danandamy]

I recently noticed my passenger side one leaking, not a huge amount but leaking. Checked my fluid and it was perfectly full. I had just recently changed the fluid and appearantly overfilled a little bit It must have been enough to force it's way out. Doesn't seem to be anymore problem but those clicking front wheel joints are going to have to come out and soon.