Replace rear axle seals/power steering
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: University Place USA
Replace rear axle seals/power steering
During a brake inspection, the mechanic noticed that the rear axle seals were leaking. I have access to a do it yourself garage and mechanic(s) so I need to know what parts I need to buy in order to replace my rear axle seals.
Also, power steering was squealing this morning in on the way to work. Where should I start looking for a leak?
Thanks
Marco
Also, power steering was squealing this morning in on the way to work. Where should I start looking for a leak?
Thanks
Marco
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Joined: Feb 2001
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Replace rear axle seals/power steering
Normally, parts are itemized after the teardown. That way your not ordering more parts. Often, parts are inspecting and found to be defective only after disassembly.
So I'd say that you should wait until the truck is dissassembled before ordering parts. However you can get price quotes and ask about availabliity.
There's a lot that you could screw up, not being a brake/drive train mechanic, so your costs could be more than the cost of taking it to a qualified mechanic. Consider that you might miss/overlook something wrong, only to have to re-perform the work twice. Good luck,
borland
So I'd say that you should wait until the truck is dissassembled before ordering parts. However you can get price quotes and ask about availabliity.
There's a lot that you could screw up, not being a brake/drive train mechanic, so your costs could be more than the cost of taking it to a qualified mechanic. Consider that you might miss/overlook something wrong, only to have to re-perform the work twice. Good luck,
borland
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,742
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From: UT
Replace rear axle seals/power steering
I did a rear axle seal on my '92 last fall. You didn't say what year your Explorer is, so I don't know if it would be the same as mine. Replacing the seal was really quite easy. The two most difficult parts of the job:
1) Getting my hands on the right tool for pulling the bearing out. None of the local auto parts stores even knew what I was talking about when I asked for the correct bearing puller. Took me two weeks after having pulled the axle to lay my hands on the right puller. Once I got it, It only took five minutes to pull the bearing out. You may be able to get the seal out without pulling the bearing, though.
2) Removing the pinion lockbolt in the differential prior to removing the axles. Ford puts Locktight on this 1/4 inch bolt, so it's a bear to get out. I successfuly got mine loose, but I found out after the fact that 1/2 of the people who try to loosen this bolt break it off.
If all goes well you don't find any other bad parts, or break anything in the process, the seal is all you'll need to replace.
1) Getting my hands on the right tool for pulling the bearing out. None of the local auto parts stores even knew what I was talking about when I asked for the correct bearing puller. Took me two weeks after having pulled the axle to lay my hands on the right puller. Once I got it, It only took five minutes to pull the bearing out. You may be able to get the seal out without pulling the bearing, though.
2) Removing the pinion lockbolt in the differential prior to removing the axles. Ford puts Locktight on this 1/4 inch bolt, so it's a bear to get out. I successfuly got mine loose, but I found out after the fact that 1/2 of the people who try to loosen this bolt break it off.
If all goes well you don't find any other bad parts, or break anything in the process, the seal is all you'll need to replace.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 25
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From: University Place USA
Replace rear axle seals/power steering
It's a 1991 XL.
If you could forward the list of parts you bought it would help out alot.
Thanks for the heads up on the locktite bolt. I'll be careful taking that one off.
Thanks
Marco
If you could forward the list of parts you bought it would help out alot.
Thanks for the heads up on the locktite bolt. I'll be careful taking that one off.
Thanks
Marco
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,742
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From: UT
Replace rear axle seals/power steering
List of things I bought/used for the job:
1. Axle seal (autozone)-- the whole reason for the job.
2. Rear bearing (autozone)-- ruined the old one trying to do the job the wrong way.
3. locktite (autozone) -- for putting on the pinion shaft lockbolt. I got a low grade of loctite so it will (hopefully) be easier to remove next time.
4. rear bearing puller (a buddy of mine actually got it for his vehicles. He got it from Snap-on or someone like that, because he works as a mechanic. Borrowed the slide hammer from Autozone) -- [link
artsqueen.zoovy.com/product/ATD8621|here's a sample of what you're looking for]
5. bearing and seal driver kit (Pepboys)-- for putting the new seal in.
6. Gear lube and friction modifier (I have a limited slip differential)
I believe that's it. Good luck.
1. Axle seal (autozone)-- the whole reason for the job.
2. Rear bearing (autozone)-- ruined the old one trying to do the job the wrong way.
3. locktite (autozone) -- for putting on the pinion shaft lockbolt. I got a low grade of loctite so it will (hopefully) be easier to remove next time.
4. rear bearing puller (a buddy of mine actually got it for his vehicles. He got it from Snap-on or someone like that, because he works as a mechanic. Borrowed the slide hammer from Autozone) -- [link
artsqueen.zoovy.com/product/ATD8621|here's a sample of what you're looking for]5. bearing and seal driver kit (Pepboys)-- for putting the new seal in.
6. Gear lube and friction modifier (I have a limited slip differential)
I believe that's it. Good luck.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 297
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From: Canada
Replace rear axle seals/power steering
>
>2) Removing the pinion lockbolt in the differential prior to
>removing the axles. Ford puts Locktight on this 1/4 inch
>bolt, so it's a bear to get out. I successfuly got mine
>loose, but I found out after the fact that 1/2 of the people
>who try to loosen this bolt break it off.
>
I found this one after the fact too. I now have to do the opposite side and am putting it off because I used the old bolt again.
>2) Removing the pinion lockbolt in the differential prior to
>removing the axles. Ford puts Locktight on this 1/4 inch
>bolt, so it's a bear to get out. I successfuly got mine
>loose, but I found out after the fact that 1/2 of the people
>who try to loosen this bolt break it off.
>
I found this one after the fact too. I now have to do the opposite side and am putting it off because I used the old bolt again.
