i know my rear axle seal is leaking on the drivers side. there is fluid running out the end of the tube onto my tires and brakes. What kind of seals are in there? Are they in by the diff or out by the brakes?

 

Having just replaced both rear wheel bearings on my 2003 2WD, the seals are on the ends of the axle tube by the brakes. I borrowed a seal puller from Auto Zone at no cost.

The axle shaft will have to come out but it's not that hard to do. There are good write ups on how to do it.

 

on an older truck , the seal can wear a groove into the axle, or the bearing can wear into the shaft which is the inner race. Auto Zone sells a seal/ bearing combo to move both parts about 1/4 inch relative to the axle shaft so the seal and bearing run on a new unworn area... good idea.

 

I had to buy the Bearing Repair Kit for mine, because at 145000 miles the rear bearings went bad and started wearing away the axle where they turned.

The "kit" is actually just a longer wheel bearing, which allows the bearing to ride in a different non-worn spot on the axle. The way it is designed, like you said, it also moved the seal to a non-worn area.

The name brand made in USA bearings were only 29.99 each from O'Reilly Auto Parts, and included the new seals also.

 

Ive got 166,000 on my 99 F150 and haven't replaced the rear wheel bearings...I wonder if I should check that soon lol....

 

Well, for the last year or so I was hearing a humming noise and just thought it was the rear end. It was more noticeable as my speed would increase. Having the L/S rear end, I just thought it was due to getting worn out with 145000 miles.

When I found the posts about the rear axles, I checked mine and found them to be what was causing the hum.

I did have a "chatter" and "clunk" from the rear end, but that has not reoccurred since I put the Ford rear axle fluid and the modifier in after finishing the bearings. Been about 5000 miles now.

 

the LS unit should have no effect on the highway. it function is to slip when you turn a corner and tires run different speeds left and right side.

 

Sounds good I'm glad they are on the outside of the housing. Be chabging them this weekend.

 

They are on the outside of the housing, but the diff cover has to be pulled and the c-locks have to be pulled and they axle shafts will then be able to be pulled right out.
Rich