I recently brought my 2011 expedition to the dealer for service where I was told that I need a new left real axle seal because it is leaking. He then said that I need to replace the fluid in the rear differential case for an extra cost over the LR axle seal (about $140).

While I'm no mechanic, it is my understanding that to replace the LR axle seal, they would have to drain and replace the fluid in the rear diff anyway. Is this correct? I'm trying to figure out why they would charge extra for this if they already had to do it.

Thanks!

 

Are they charging $140 for the gear oil?

 

They charged $44 for the oil, and about $100 for the labor to drain/replace the rear diff oil. Again, based on my basic understanding of how things work, I would have expected this work to be done as part of replacing the LR axle seal.

 

Dealers charge a lot (not always, but) you know that already. Sounds like BS to me.

 

Perhaps they're talking new fluid versus draining and reusing the old fluid. For me I'd say the fluid and cover removal is already figured into the rate book cost to change the axle seal, since that has to be done to access the C-clip and remove the axle. If it were me I'd take it somewhere else.

I'll give you an example of two different dealers. My son has a Chrysler 300 which requires calibration of sensors in the front seats for the airbag system to work properly. He went to one dealer and was told 2-hours at $125/hr=$250. I sent him to another dealer I semi-trust and they said 1-hour at $115/hr=$115. A savings of $135 for the exact same procedure.

 

I think he's saying there is a separate line item, for around $140, above and beyond replacement of the axle seal or whatever, when the labor would already be a part of that task anyway. I agree. I'd thought maybe he already had the work done. Either find another place to do the work or ask them to explain. Parts markup is standard, and stuff like this. They gotta make a profit and keep the lights on, but.

I'd also think about replacing both axle seals.