I got a leaky seal on one of the rear axles on the wife's 03 4x4 Escape. Anyone ever changed one of these? Any special tools required? Big deal or what? I'm annoyed at my local mechanic 'cause he screwed up the last job I gave him, but it's getting too cold to lay on the floor for long. (Oh yeah - I'm cheap too!)

 

bump!

Ok, so no one has ever changed one of these...

Anyone got a link to the online motorcraft service manual for an 03 Escape?

 

I just did wheel bearings & seals on my Mounty. They are probably similar. I do have a Ford service CD that I bought on Ebay that has been invaluable. You may need to get a socket for the axle nut if you don't have one. If you can come up with a seal driver that will work (a piece of tubing, socket, etc., probably won't need other special tools.

 

Thanks Mark.. the manual I have says something about a special tool to pop out the axle - sounds like this is not really needed?

 

I know the tool you are talking about & also inquired about it but didn't get any responses. There is a a wire clip on the end of the axles that snap & hold them into place. New clips came with my seals & they are kind of a softer metal. Anyway, the axles came out pretty easy. You can use a wood block on the thick part of the "tulip" on the CV joint & pop them out with a rap from a hammer.

 

Ok, gotcha. You never can tell with those "special tools" - 95% of the time you don't need them, but occasionally you really do. Is that clip internal or external? I'd really like to see an exploded drawing of that assembly before I pull it apart. Did your CD go into that amount of detail? Maybe I should pick one up...

 

The external C clips go into a groove cut into the splined part of the axle. I would recommend the Ford service CD - yes it shows every little detail. I found mine on Ebay.

 

That CD sounds like a good one to have - you don't happen to remember the sellers name? I've heard stories about some pretty cheesy CDs on eBay, but the one you got sounds like it was worthwhile...

 

I did a check on Ebay & didn't see any exactly like mine but as long as it's the official service CD, it should be good. I have to set the date back on my computer because it expires after a certain date & they want to make sure the techs are using the latest info.

 

Do I need to drop the control arm assembly to pull the axle?
Anyone know?