2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Front end seal leak

[Lordsman]

Looks like the '99 front axle is leaking fluid through the right front seal. Asked a mechanic and he wanted $450. 00, and recommended that both seals be re-done since it's a lot of work to do and it will be apart anyway. Does this repair price and job description seem accurate to those of you who have had this done?

I thought these Dana axles were tougher than this. TIA.

 

[TFabian]

The front axle outer oil seals on the Dana 60 are actually inboard of the axle ends. The right side is just to the outside of the shift collar housing. It requires that the bearing/hub assembly be pulled to get the axle shaft out. Not an easy job. I ended up having to replace this seal when I replaced the hubs/bearings on my 96. I got it replaced without the special tools, (made my own seal puller) but it is not easy. $450 sounds about right per side. The local dealers around here charge close to $600 per side.

 

[illflem]

Your dealer's a rip-off. I've often thought that the $125 per side that most dealers charge is a real deal.

If you want to do it yourself here's how

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



If your brake rotor was removed prior to the leak you may want to wait, most times the leak will stop on it's own. When ever the axle is removed or left in cockeyed while the rotor is off lube will leak past the seal and may take several hundred miles to work itself out of the axle tube.

 

[Jack in Alaska]

Seal leaks - front

Illflem,

My left front seal started leaking after a brake job in Olympia, Wash. It was still leaking in Bullhead City, Az.

Had it (both sides) repaired at the Dodge shop there for $650 total mostly labor costs.

As it was a 5 star I got a "free" wash job.

Back in Alaska now and still no leaks.

 

[RamThatStroker]

Originally posted by Lordsman

Looks like the '99 front axle is leaking fluid through the right front seal. Asked a mechanic and he wanted $450. 00, and recommended that both seals be re-done since it's a lot of work to do and it will be apart anyway. Does this repair price and job description seem accurate to those of you who have had this done?

I thought these Dana axles were tougher than this. TIA.

Lordsman,



I had both of my axle seals done at a shop here in Trinidad, Co for $220. $450 is way over priced to get that done, but he is right you need to do both at the same time. I can't believe some of the prices you guys are paying... Wow:--)

 

[Lordsman]

$450. 00 for both is what they want, but I'm still looking. The dealer wanted $700. 00 per side(Christophers/Golden).

Ain't no way I'll go there!I'm still looking around. My truck only has 52k miles on it which makes it that much worse. I'll have to wait on injectors.

 

[PUMPERDUDE]

Hey Lordsman,if you're not having to add much to the front end,let it go a little longer as Ilflem said. Most of the front end leaks (after replacing rotors,ball joints,u-joints etc etc. ) do dry up.