Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Front axle started to leak

[JPundt]

On my 97' with 117k the passenger side front axle seal started leaking and it has been leaking for about 2 weeks now. I was wondering how difficult it would be to fix and what are the steps to fixing it. Any info or tips would be helpful.

 

[bmoeller]

Don't know how bad the leak is, but I'd make sure the axle vent tube isn't plugged first. Then go from there. Doesn't sound like a quick fix.

 

[ABorchard]

Did it just start leaking out of nowhere or has some other frontend work been done recently?



Most differental leaks I've seen are due to overfull. Follow the owner's manual recommendation of 3/4" below the bottom of the fill plug. Many will stop leaking once the proper level has been attained by leaking out.



Repair instructions> http://dieselpowerman.tripod.com/Front Axle Tech/Front Axle Tech.htm



Dealer doesn't charge all that much for this repair, it's one of the few good deals they have going.

 

[BTighe]

midas does-475 bucks, dont ask

 

[PKirby]

I had one replaced on a 2001 under warranty. The mechanic destroyed the front hub by beating it off with a sledge hammer. I was told later that grit or rust scale sometimes gets under the seal and if you keep driving the truck, it may stop leaking on its own.

 

[moparguy]

Many people (self included) have just watched the fluid level for a few hundred miles, then smiled as the leak self-healed.



I'd watch it for a few more weeks.



Good luck, RJR

 

[JFaughn]

I didn't look at the link to the instructions and I have never seen any manual mention this , when ever I remove a ft. axial I use a tool I made by welding nut or bolt on a long piece metal then attaching a washer small enough to fit inside the axial and scrape out the inside of axial.

 

[Kirwin]

Axle seal replacement

One side is easy. The side with the center axle disconnect. The seal is located on the outside end of the axle tube right behind the universal joint. Other side is a real bear. You have to pull the differential carrier out remove the axle shaft and then the seal is located inside the axle tube just outboard the outer carrier bearing. Getting the new one in straight is the trick. The proper size seal installer really helps. You can do it, but its not a quick job. I wouldn't start the job with out a service manual. Ken Irwin

 

[dodge cummins]

you can go with a 85w140 weight oil and that should stop the leaking. it worked for me last summer

 

[starring]

The most important thing when swaping out seals is cleanliness. Another thought is each side has gone around the same amount of times so while stuff is comming out might as well do both sides. The other advantages to doing both sides is that you can give the tubes a good cleaning. I have done this twice on my truck and i can do it for under 100 including the beer, and it was done in one night. I waited til the next morning to fill up the fluid to give the silicone a chance.