Axle seals
Cross-Country
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Not too bad of a job. The Haynes manual has a good, accurate section on how to do this. Basically you jack the rear up, drain the rear end by removing the diff cover, and remove the pinion shaft. Remove the wheels and brake rotors to access the axles. Push the axles in, then remove the locking "c" clips on the end of the axles inside the diff. The axles then slide right out, and you can use the end to pry the old seal out. Install new seals, replace axles, and button it back up. When you jack the rear up, make sure you've got sufficient (4') side clearance so you can get the axles out - don't want it up in the air only to find out the sidewall of the garage is in the way.
Replace and locktite the pinion shaft lock bolt. Don't forget to add friction modifier if required. Also a good time to make sure the axle vent tube is clear. A clogged vent tube lets pressure build up inside the axle, which may contribute to blown axle/pinion seals. Also a good time to inspect and/or replace the pinion seal.
Only "special" tools needed are a torque wrench and an appropriate size socket or other implement to drive the new seals home.
Replace and locktite the pinion shaft lock bolt. Don't forget to add friction modifier if required. Also a good time to make sure the axle vent tube is clear. A clogged vent tube lets pressure build up inside the axle, which may contribute to blown axle/pinion seals. Also a good time to inspect and/or replace the pinion seal.
Only "special" tools needed are a torque wrench and an appropriate size socket or other implement to drive the new seals home.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Doesn't sound too bad...I'm gonna buy the manual to have handy. I'm planning on a full day, cause you know it's never really simple...something always goes wrong or you always find something else...ha ha
Thanks for the reply!!
Thanks for the reply!!
Cross-Country
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
A pump helps, I just used a screw-on hose on the lube bottles - plenty of room above the axle to tip one upside down.
One other thought - If your seals are leaking, you probably have axle lube all over your parking brake pads/assembly, and maybe the main brakes. At a minimum, you should plan on replacing the parking brake pads, as they're likely well oiled. May find the parking brake linkage binding as well; a soak in PB Blaster should free it up. Anti-seize moving parts and mating surfaces (acid brush works great) and you won't have any problems if you ever have to disassemble in the future. Also, you will probably have to back off the parking brake adjusters in order to get the brake disc/drum assembly off.
Black RTV the diff cover and evenly torque, you don't need a gasket. Let it cure in place as long as you can (24hrs) before driving to help prevent leaks.
One other thought - If your seals are leaking, you probably have axle lube all over your parking brake pads/assembly, and maybe the main brakes. At a minimum, you should plan on replacing the parking brake pads, as they're likely well oiled. May find the parking brake linkage binding as well; a soak in PB Blaster should free it up. Anti-seize moving parts and mating surfaces (acid brush works great) and you won't have any problems if you ever have to disassemble in the future. Also, you will probably have to back off the parking brake adjusters in order to get the brake disc/drum assembly off.
Black RTV the diff cover and evenly torque, you don't need a gasket. Let it cure in place as long as you can (24hrs) before driving to help prevent leaks.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 383
Likes: 0
From: MA
Go to West Marine for a pump kit with hose that replaces cap on quart size containers of gear oil for the lower ends of outboards.
Trending Topics
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: NC
I just took my '04 in for the 60,000 mile service and they said the rear pinion seal was leaking and needed replacing, luckily they worked it in and it didn't cost that much with the service. I might have tried replacing it by myself with my '97 but hate messing with the newer one.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
pacrewchief
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Jun 9, 2012 09:12 AM