Please help,

I have a 2000 Excursion 4x4 that has differential fluid leaking down the inside of the drivers side front tire and U joint. I'm assuming the axle seal is leaking and the fluid is running down the tube ?
Could someone explain to me how to change the seal that will stop the leak. I also need a list of parts needed. My parts store seems to be lost on what I need. Is this a tough seat to replace ?

Thank you,
JIM

 

Is it a tough seal to replace ?
Thanks, JIM

 

Got the same leak as you do except on the passangers side,( 03 X, Limited, 4X4 ) not real bad but want to get it done this weekend. I have the manual and it doesn't appear to be any big deal as long as you have some mechanical motivation and of course tools

 

Is it tough to replace? For me no, but I am an ase and audi master tech. You have to pull the axle out, which involves removing the caliper/rotor & unit bearing assy. The seal is replaced from inside the axle so the diff cover comes off and the carrier and ring gear come out to get to the seal. Off the top of my head you need inner (oil) and outer (vacuum) seals for the axle, new o-ring for unit bearing and o-ring for auto hub. And some gear oil. Hope this helps. Welcome to the forum.

 

This link to replace ball joints has excellent direction on how to replace the seals. The special tool is easy to make and works well. Hope this helps.
Ford Super Duty Ball Joint Replacement Procedure | Superdutypsd.com

 

The dust and axle seals in the superdutypsd article are meant to keep crud out of the outer end of axle tube. The diff oil is sealed at the inside end of the axle tube.

Are you sure the fluid you see is diff oil? How does it jump across the u-joint / knuckle to get onto the tire? Could it be brake fluid or broken-down grease from a failed unit bearing?

What Magilla said - that is the short version of how to change the oil seal. If you tackle it be sure to mark & put the carrier bearing caps back in the original orientation.

It's just not real likely that the inner oil seal failed - it is only active when the axle shaft is turning, i.e. in 4WD or hub locked. So it should be like new.

And Welcome to FTE