I was changing the oil in my truck today and noticed that sometime since the last oil change the front axle started seeping where the halfshaft connects to the drivers side of the axle. Here is a picture of the area.


the area that has the bolts on it was all damp and grimy so I cleaned it off and it looks like the leak is coming from the seal where the rusty part connects into the axle housing next to the differential.

How big of a job is it to replace that seal? Can a guy just unbolt the two sections in the picture and have enough room to drop the half shaft out of the way so you can get to the bearing seal, or do you have to tear the whole differential and left side of the suspension apart to fix it?

I checked the bearing for play and it has a very small amount of play, but I also looked at my wifes truck and it has the same amount of play and hers doesn't leak. So I'm pretty sure it's just the seal. Right now it just seems to be seeping enough to keep everything grimy and the fluid level in the diff, was still full. I would think as long as a guy isn't planning on using the 4wd alot you should be fine to let it go for awhile before fixing it since nothing up front spins in 2wd?

 

it's a easy fix, that has happened to my truck and it only cost $80 for the seal from auto zone but it was black Friday sales, you half to open it up other wise i can only tell you good luck

 

Looks like a bad seat between the pumpkin and the axle housing. I would pull the seal and change it out to start with.

 

I stopped by my mechanic today to have him look at it and he said there was a retainer clip inside the diferential and that you have to tear the diff apart to remove the clip and allow the outer axle stub to be removed to access the seal. He said since it's not leaking hardly at all that he would wait until it gets a little worse.

FordSter, did you have to open the differential up to repalce the seal? My mechanic is pretty good on his info, but sometimes he's not quite up to par on how the newer stuff in put together.

 

Yes but I had to take my rear axle apart because there was some kind of acid coming out so I had to replace everything in the differential

 

What?????? Acid?????

Stewart

 

I have not done this job on one of these trucks yet, but I would assume it is primarily the same job as replacing the half shaft. every move will be the same, you need to break down the front end. Remove wheels, brakes and rotor, disconnect the ball joints + sway bar + steering, remove the strut, and then remove the bolts and half shaft. I'm not sure about the clip inside the diff that you were talking about.

Its not that bad of a job, but I too would put it off until it is a bigger issue

 

Yeah if your mechanic and Dano are right, then I think I would be waiting till it got pretty bad before I started this job. Sounds like at least a days work if not more. I didn't realize there was that much to it. Glad mines not leaking right there!

 

Jack that side of the truck up good, Make sure the nuts are torqued properly 1st thing. Look closely to make sure the tube wasn't cracked and lube leaking from it, but looks like the flange. Drain the axle, let it drip dry for hours. Clean the area very clean with a spary, like electric contact spray several times, all around the flange. Object is to get the grease out of the flange, coat it with silicone/RTV cement. Rub it in good/vigorously with your finger. After it sets for a couple hours recoat it again. Use a hose clamp/it might take 2 equally on each side to span it and tighten it around the flange with a piece of garden hose cut to fit as a gasket under the lower 3/4 of the flange several hours later, also coat it with silicone. Let it set overnight, set the truck back down on all fours and refil the axle, making sure not to overfill, make sure your vent is clear of obstrucions. Might not be attractive, but if it don't leak for 50,000 your good to go. The point is don't get impatient, let the silicone/RTV go to work and set/seal. If you keep lube from penetrating it while it sets it can seal this, it's like a fish aquarium seal/comparison. I have personnallydone this and also to the back of old leaking engine pans. You add a plastic hose to the end of the tube to reach in there. Holds up forever. Patience to let it set is what is important along with clean the oil out. Don't plan on driving it for the weekend. Just let it set and the RTV to set up before refill with lube. Don't forget to fill with lube too late sunday evening.

 

Excellent idea papa tiger!