The dust seal on the driver's side front axle has fallen out of the axle tube and is just sitting on the axle. I understand from a search I did that this was quite common. My question is if it's worth the 100 dollar deductible on my extended warranty to have the dealer replace it, or should I just let it go? I live on a dirt road, and I go off roading from time to time. Thanks, John.

 

i would fix it.you may be able to turn the tire all the way to the right and put it back in yourself.you dont want the axle filling up with crud.i did my balljoints awhile back and if memory serves me right i think you can take the hub/axle out together, then you could put a new seal in there.

 

That depends. For $100 it seems like a good deal, but that whole axle tube is just a protective cover for the axle. There is a seal where the axle goes into the differential. If you have ESOF and it's working, I wouldn't touch it. To get the axle out to replace the dust seal the dealer will have to remove the wheel, brake caliper, brake disc, locking hub (with an o-ring on it), the hub assembly (with an o-ring on it), the axle snap ring (with 3 plastic washer that have to be put back EXACTLY right) and then pry the axle out of the differential (the axle has a inner seal for the knuckle and and also enters the seal into the differential). If they don't replace any of these o-rings or seals (my guess is they won't under a warranty claim...unless you want to front the money for that) and they weren't careful when removing them, you run the risk of a vacuum leak and your hubs won't be "auto" locking any more. Granted they may fix it for free or another $100 deductible warranty claim, but there's down time to consider too.

I off-road A LOT. When I replaced my ball joints I put new dust seals in (they were hanging from the day I bought the truck), there was only a small amount of dirt/sand in the bottom of the tube (not much more that a small pile of dust).

If the dealer is willing to let you prove that the ESOf works to lock the hubs, do the work and then let you check the ESOF before you leave, maybe, just maybe, it would be worth $100. It would depend on how long they want to keep the truck for.

Personally, I don't think it's worth it. With all of the stuff they have to remove and seals that get disturbed to replace one rubber dust ring, I think there's more risk than reward involved. I'd wait until you have to take the hub off for whatever reason, then just pop the axle out and replace the dust seal while you're at it.

Just my .02

 

I think they have a design flaw to begin with.

The seal surface on the axle is actually somewhat outside the axle tube, so the axle seal does not really press into the tube. This causes it to spin, and eventually the thicker part of the seal will break off, giving the impression that it does not work anymore when in fact I doubt it did much to begin with.

If the seal could be pressed on the axle about 1/2" further back (towards the differential) I think it would work perfectly.

 

They have a new style seal now. I would reistall it and silicone it in. then when you replace your ball joints( when you replace your ball joints not if) you can replace at that time. New dust seals are $15.00 at dealer. good luck.

 

Well, screw me...I just ordered the balljoint kit from Power Stroke Shop 2 weeks ago, and it came with the originals.

I have already installed everything, but the truck is still on stands waiting for the new hubs to come in.

I guess I could pull the axles back out and put the new ones on...they should slide out as the outer seals were greased when put in, and I have yet to use them.

What is the difference in the new style? Part number?

 

Brian42 has a good point that I didn't think about. That being will the dealer replace the seals and o rings involved, or just put the old ones back in. I also didn't figure on the possibility of a faulty re assembly. I think it's more of a risk than it's worth. Thanks for the help, John.