This weekend I got under the truck to investigate a wet spot on my rear disc-brake shield. Turns out, the Right Passenger Side axle seal is leaking. I'm starting to worry about the rear end in this truck. I bought it with about 93K on it, and had to replace the pinion seal (where the driveshaft bolts in) when I first got it. Now the Rt axle seal is leaking. My questions are:

1. Are these leaks / seal failures common?
2. If they're not common, do the two leaks signify future problems?
3. Should I replace both axle seals while I'm at it?


I also unfortunately also discovered my Rt. lower control arm was more than just a little rusty.... After poking around in the rust a 1/2" hole developed!!!

* You can see my rusty control arm posting here
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=402518

 

Also does anyone have a secret place to get the 75W140 synthetic gear oil? The cheapest I've found it local is about $16+

 

Have you made progress on this? I replaced my rear passenger side seal 12K miles ago and it is now leaking slowly again...So I am about the replace it again. This time I am going to see if there is wear on the axle where the ID of the seal touches. He said, "As strange as it sounds, seals can actually wear on the axle itself..."


Unfortunately I paid $75 for synthetic. That is just the price.

 

Yeah, we had to replace both seals. The local parts house was cool and knocked a few bucks off the gear oil, and it was Ford Motor Co. brand too. I used their Kendall friction modifier.

Let me know what you find with your axle seals. I REALLY don't want to do them again for a long time. I was mad at first, but I guess 104K ain't too bad (if the previous owner hadn't changed them in its 1st 91K mile life).

What brand of seal did you use? I think we got Federal Mogul. Did you prep the axle shaft at all? We just wiped these really well, but some people use steel wool or other mild abrasives to clean the end up if its got crud, rust, or other stuff on it.

 

...I forgot to mention that I had to replace my passenger side seal (only) at 84K miles.

I think they were federal mogul...?? I purchased from NAPA.

...prepping the axle... that may have been my mistake. I only rubbed it clean. Didn't take too much care more than that.

Anyway, if I find an obvious fault on my part with my handy-work last time, Ill let you know.

Take care

 

I just changed out mine too. My driver side was leaking pretty good and I had both sides changed. The mechanic said this was very common (on expeditions & navigators) and that it is a good idea to fix it ASAP because it can do more damage to the rear end and also is a fire hazzard. I also had to replace the emergency brake shoes because they were saturated in the oil.

 

mcn420,

here is a good point... I had to replace my emergency brake shoes too. the were indeed saturated and smell really bad

thanks 00expo&earlybronco

 

I had to do my E-brake pads too. THat was another $40 tacked onto the job!

 

Heh, how much did everyone pay by having a shop do it ? I think mine was like $240 or something for both sides. I have 45,000 miles and I wanted to change the rear diff fluid anyway so this was done as part of the repair.