Half-shaft seal leaks

[eqppwqqep]

I have an 02 Explorer XLS (I believe). It has developed a slow leak in the rear-differential on the passenger side axle. It dripped 1 quarter sized spot of fluid on a piece of cardboard under the truck last night. The differential has a smal trail of oil on it as well. This weekend, I opened the fill plug to check the level of fluid and found it was fine because I got covered in the smelly crap. I have a few questions:

- If the axles are above the fill-plug, how much will this seal leak?
- How soon do I need to have this fixed?
- How difficult is this job and is it something I can do myself? The most intense thing I have done is rebuild a DOHC Saturn SL2 engine (bearings, crank turned, even had to match the pistons and caps after the shop mixed them up).
- Do I have a LSD? It's the 4X4 2002 that can't be taken out of 4X4 Auto mode. Sorry, I'm not sure if ever 2002 exploder is that way or not. I can get the door pillar code if needed.

Also, the fluid was milky looking. I have read this may be due to the fluid being aerated or due to water contamination. Which one is more likely due to the fact I have never submersed the vehicle. I also have the infamous rear-end whine and have had it since I bought the vehicle 3 years ago, never gave me any problems. I believe I caught this vehicle after the previous owner had everything replaced because the only thing I have had happen is the Blend Door issue and the driver door handle keeps breaking apart.

If anyone has time to guide me, I am hear to listen and learn. Thanks in advance@!

Specs: 2002 XLS, 90K, 4.0 V6, Tan, Cloth int, power everything, 1 pair of steel truck nutz (just kidding).

 

[stsmoker]

The fix is relatively easy, and if you have prior experience to working on cars (especially rebuilding motors) I would say you can do this repair no problem if you have access to a lift. Im sure you can do it with jack stands and all but im sure that it wouldnt be to fun.

But check this thread man http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2058809#post2058809 ,did mine not to long ago. Without any special tools or anything, had to imrovise a lot (dont know if you would be willing to go out and buy a buncha 'special' tools). But right after i put the seal in, i drove 750 miles up to MD and stayed a week and back 750 miles and the leak is completely gone, no drip or anything!

You can go with this leak for awhile i would think, just keep an eye on the fluid level. I believe Ford repairs both side at 1.6hrs plus the $50 per seal. so your lookin at roughly 240 for both sides done.

but hoped this could help some!

 

[eqppwqqep]

I called our local dealer and am waiting to hear what it would cost to repair. Thanks for the info. I think I would rather pay the $300 just to have piece of mind that they will fix it later if it leaks again.

 

[eqppwqqep]

I was quoted $240 for the single seal. They also told me they will only put the diff fluid in there that comes out, so I guess I can't have 75W140 unless I put it in there.

 

[stsmoker]

Then they're feedin you a buncha BS! On AllData it calls for 1.6Hrs for BOTH Sides and each seal cost $50 so 1.6Hrs @ approx $90/hr plus 100 for 2 seals...that 244 before tax. You should go around to few different places and get them to quote it. It's TSB so..im sure they just wanna pocket that extra money.

 

[eqppwqqep]

Driver seal is fine, the passenger seal is leaking. He said the differential fluid is gray, so it needs to be changed. I put roughly 40K on this fluid because I had the dealer change the fluid when I bought it with 50K. Is this right?

 

[stsmoker]

Driver seal is fine, the passenger seal is leaking. He said the differential fluid is gray, so it needs to be changed. I put roughly 40K on this fluid because I had the dealer change the fluid when I bought it with 50K. Is this right?

Well if they're quoting you for that much, they should be replacing both since that what AllData calls for and thats what all shops go buy pretty much. The fluid most likely doesnt need to be changed, but probably wouldnt hurt anything..so if you have the money i guess why not? but theyll probably charge up the a$$ for that too, you can goto walmart and get the better stuff and do it yourself for 15 bucks.

 

[eqppwqqep]

Well if they're quoting you for that much, they should be replacing both since that what AllData calls for and thats what all shops go buy pretty much. The fluid most likely doesnt need to be changed, but probably wouldnt hurt anything..so if you have the money i guess why not? but theyll probably charge up the a$$ for that too, you can goto walmart and get the better stuff and do it yourself for 15 bucks.

They wanted $140 to flush and fill....no thanks.:thumbdwn:

What's the best fluid to put in there? I wanted to get the 75W140 to quiet things down.

 

[stsmoker]

Yeah thats whats i have in mine and works like a charm, didnt really seem to quiet anything down on mine but didnt have any noises before since it has farely low miles (47K)

But yeah thats insane they wanted that much for a flush n fill...my 3yr old cousin could do that with a blind fold on. The hardest part is to get that horrible smell off of you! That stuff smells sooo bad!

I think all you need is 3/8" drive and just unscrew the filler hole and the drain and dump the old stuff and pour the new stuff in (If i remember right its less than a Liter.)

 

[eqppwqqep]

Yeah thats whats i have in mine and works like a charm, didnt really seem to quiet anything down on mine but didnt have any noises before since it has farely low miles (47K)

But yeah thats insane they wanted that much for a flush n fill...my 3yr old cousin could do that with a blind fold on. The hardest part is to get that horrible smell off of you! That stuff smells sooo bad!

I think all you need is 3/8" drive and just unscrew the filler hole and the drain and dump the old stuff and pour the new stuff in (If i remember right its less than a Liter.)

What fluid do you have and where did you get it? My diff hub has "Synthetic ONLY" stamped on it, so I assume I have and LSD?

 

[stsmoker]

I forgot what brand it is but its just the 75W140 Full Synthetic from Walmart. I think i paid somewhere around $10 for the bottle. And Im sorry if i sound like an idiot but not sure what LSD is? 0_o

 

[eqppwqqep]

I forgot what brand it is but its just the 75W140 Full Synthetic from Walmart. I think i paid somewhere around $10 for the bottle. And Im sorry if i sound like an idiot but not sure what LSD is? 0_o

Limited Slip Differential

 

[stsmoker]

Ohhh yeah most likely lol sorry bout that =P