Just had a little service work done on my 2010 F 350 six Wheeler the dust shield on the right passenger side fell out , they replaced it with a new seal that almost looks like what you'd see at the end of a drive axle, I wish I could post a picture. It's apparently being installed on all new trucks the redesigned dust shield apparently adds strength and protects the inner driveshaft from rocks and road dirt, it looks like it could hold oil back it's that tight of a fit, and it holds the shaft perfectly still there is no movement of the axle or universal compared to the other side with the old rubber ring. What's got me upset the drivers side is doing the same thing, but they refuse to fix it until it falls off how stupid. They know they have a problem with the design, and yet they're going to wait until completely fails to replace it, which will probably occur in the next few hundred miles, Especially when I put a screwdriver to it and help it fallout ;-) just kidding but I do feel like doing it. My brother told me not to worry about it it's not that big of a deal unless you're 4x4 in deep mud or loose gravel. The next funny part, they charged Ford close too $1400 to pull the axle and replace that stupid seal thank God for warranty's. Just curious what you guys think? And has anyone else seen this new dust shields it almost looks like a wheel bearing with a rubber lip around it Take care.

 

If you have ESOF and it's working, don't mess with it. There are several seals that are broken to get the shaft out to replace the dust seal on the axle tube. I doubt they will replace the seals when they re-assemble. Warranty work or not, it is down time to have the dealer fix a seal issue for your ESOF. I off-road all the time and have not had any issues and my dust seals have been hanging for years. I just replaced my ball joints (181K was a good life for the original ball joints) and replaced the dust seals while I had everything torn apart. There was almost nothing in my axle tubes except a little bit of sand and dust.

IMHO it is not worth the trouble. I would rather have a useless rubber ring hanging down than go round and round with the dealer with ESOF problems. I'm as much or more OCD than the next guy, but after tearing down the front end to remove the axles and seeing first hand all the crap that has to line up and seal, I would gladly look at an annoying rubber ring than tear everything down to replace it.

Just my .02

 

Thanks for your opinion, but I do not have automatic locking hubs, full manual including 4x4 selector. I would never buy a truck with any automatic engagement too many things to go wrong. I was just curious if anyone else has used the new design dust shield it looks as though it is a well-designed replacement part. I'd like the other side to match as I stated in my post earlier, the driver-side is hanging off just ready to fall, I understand what you're saying but close to $45,000. I like the truck the way it was meant to be from the factory at least for two years after purchase . It seems like it should have been designed right from the get go, any time you can keep dirt out of an area it could only help. Thanks again