Rear axle problem/replacement
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Rear axle problem/replacement
Ford dealer mechanic says my rear axle is too scored and the bearing buddies are starting to leak on my 1988 F150 4 x 2 truck. Recommends replacement of 2 axles, 2 bearings and 2 seals to avoid fluid leaking into the brakes--ie. says I need to do it. Estimate is twice as much as local independent mechanic who can install new aftermarket parts at slightly less than half the cost. Parts and labour warranteed for 90 days.
Is there any significant risk in going with the independent mechanic to save alot of money for this repair?
Thanks for any advice.
Also, how can there be 2 axles in the rear--thought it had one axle front and one rear, but apparently not...
Frank
Is there any significant risk in going with the independent mechanic to save alot of money for this repair?
Thanks for any advice.
Also, how can there be 2 axles in the rear--thought it had one axle front and one rear, but apparently not...
Frank
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Thanks for your quick reply, and explanation about the 2 rear axles. Is there anything I need to watch for to ensure good quality in the aftermarket parts, or am I worrying too much?
Thanks,
Frank.
Thanks,
Frank.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Easton,Ks
You would have to be talking about an 8.8" axle. They do make a repair bearing that rides in a different place on the axles and it comes with its own seal built in. That way it is as good as new with your old axles but unfortunately I have not had the opportunity to try them yet. But I know O'Riley Auto sells them. That way parts would only cost about $40.00 + the oil and labor.
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The difference in the Ford dealer axles and the after market axles is $600.00 Canadian dollars each for the two axles at the dealer, compared with $200.00 each for the aftermarket axles (even though they are new too, no remanufactured or used), and the 2 bearings and seals are also cheaper. So the dealer estimate was $1600. Canadian dollars, compared with $700.00 Canadian dollars at the independent mechanic. I verified the price of the Ford parts with another Ford dealer in town, and got the same price quote. So to get the substantial savings, I have to go with the aftermarket parts. Both dealer and independent are quoting about 3 hours labour. Hard to believe that new parts at the dealer would cost that much more, but seems to be the case.
Thanks for your replies.
Frank.
Thanks for your replies.
Frank.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Bonita Springs FL
Well, if you decide to go with aftermarket axles, I would research the manufacturer a little bit first. Find out who makes them and then do a search here. Maybe the manufacturer offers a longer warranty.
You also have to consider the possibility that there's nothing wrong with the axle, or it's just the seals. I've never actually heard of anyone having to replace axle shafts before. Well, unless they broke. But yours are just 'scored'. Also, did he say they have just started to leak or are about to leak? "About to leak" is a highly suspect phrase used in the automotive repair industry - exactly how does anyone know that something is about to start leaking.
If it were me, now that I have a chance to slow down and think about this, I would first find out if the seals are leaking. If they are, then just have the seals replaced. That may cure the problem entirely, or it may postpone it. Either way, replacing a couple of seals is a whole lot cheaper (and completely doable in your driveway) than replacing axle shafts and bearings.
Take a look at this thread: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=253125
You also have to consider the possibility that there's nothing wrong with the axle, or it's just the seals. I've never actually heard of anyone having to replace axle shafts before. Well, unless they broke. But yours are just 'scored'. Also, did he say they have just started to leak or are about to leak? "About to leak" is a highly suspect phrase used in the automotive repair industry - exactly how does anyone know that something is about to start leaking.
If it were me, now that I have a chance to slow down and think about this, I would first find out if the seals are leaking. If they are, then just have the seals replaced. That may cure the problem entirely, or it may postpone it. Either way, replacing a couple of seals is a whole lot cheaper (and completely doable in your driveway) than replacing axle shafts and bearings.
Take a look at this thread: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=253125
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I have replaced a lot of 8.8" axles if the bearing surface is scored or worn it will allow the axle shaft to move, and even with a new bearing and seal, will soon leak. The axles must have been removed to see if they were scored, or really excessive bearing play.
Fleet Owner
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From: Easton,Ks
Hay, did anybody even read what I posted above?
GLR is right, if the guy did not take them out how would he know if they were bad? Unless he lifted the axle up and down and the old seal was leaking, but then it could be just the bearing and seal.
I have also never seen a bad one.
And if they were bad, why buy new ones when a repair bearing will make the old ones like new? We are talking about a 1988 and how much longer is he going to have it?
The only hard part of the whole job is getting the old bearings out. But then you can rent a slide hammer puller from an auto parts store.
GLR is right, if the guy did not take them out how would he know if they were bad? Unless he lifted the axle up and down and the old seal was leaking, but then it could be just the bearing and seal.
I have also never seen a bad one.
And if they were bad, why buy new ones when a repair bearing will make the old ones like new? We are talking about a 1988 and how much longer is he going to have it?
The only hard part of the whole job is getting the old bearings out. But then you can rent a slide hammer puller from an auto parts store.
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Thanks for your replies so far. The truck is a 1988, but only has about 98,000 miles on it (152,000 kilometres) and is still in very good shape, so worth repairing. When I bought it two years ago, they installed bearing buddies and told me the axle was a bit scored, and that maybe the bearing buddies would solve the problem. Mileage at that time was about 64,000 (109,000 km.), but now they're saying that one bearing buddy in particular is no longer sealing well, and the axle is more scored, so apparently I need to replace the axles, bearings and seals. But please keep the comments coming, to ensure I make the best decision for the best price.
Thanks again.
Frank.
Thanks again.
Frank.
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