Hi Everyone......Need some guidance so once again I turn to the forum for your counsel. Finally got the time to do a brake job on my 01 2WD Exc., and noted that the inside of the rear pasenger tire wet with oil or brake fluid. I pulled the caliper, inspected the piston seals and lines and all looks ok, the parking brake pads are soaked as well as the inside of the drum. The axles seal looks fine so I am assuming this is a matter of pulling the hub and installing a new seal??? What else should I do while there? Replace bearings??? Thanks!

 

Inspect bearings only. Very-unlikely they will need replacing.

Aftermarket seals seem to be better than OEM Ford's.

YMMV.

Since you will be draining the oil from the hubs, run a little light grease over the bearings to give them sufficient lubrication until they once-again are running in gear oil.

Be sure to check the gear oil level afterward, too, as you have had a leak.

Pop

 

Thanks Pop. Can you tell me what a "step plate" is? Is it the center piece on the 3-jaw hub puller? No one knows what i'm referring too at these parts places that loan tools. Also, should I do both sides while I am at it?

 

This is an example of a "step plate":

They come in various sizes, and usually as a "set".

I did only one side when it leaked, and the other side hasn't leaked yet.

That was a few years ago.

Pop

 

Thanks Pop.

 

Guzzle is a good site to visit:

Welcome to guzzle's Ford PSD Web Pages

Welcome to camodown's Rear Hub Seals and Parking Brake repairs

 

Just getting back after being away, being on the road working is tough. Anyway, I want to thank everyone who commented. The informaiton and links were great. I've finshed replacing the hub seals, axle o-rings, parking and operating brakes. Also replaced the rotors with the quiet slot from Hawk. Again, thank you all for the insights and information. Truly appreciated!
Gary