Replacing rear axle seal

[bud4ya]

hey guys the axle seal on the rear drivers side is leaking fluid. VIP noticed it when they were balancing my tires. They said they could do the job for $150.00. They said the seal is only like $5.00 So my question is, is it a hard job to do myself or should I just pay teh $150.00. Just hate to pay that for a $5 part. But if it is going to take a day to do it then I will bring it back to VIP.

2nd question is I can not find step by step directions on how to replace the rear axle seal on a 97 AWD V8. Anyone have a link that tells you how to do it and teh best would be with pics?

This is what I came up with when I did my serach and could not find directions or directions with pics.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/search.php?searchid=3110950

 

[Turdle]

List of "How To" threads

It is in here

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=214885

Since it all comes apart, I would replace the bearings now. Both sides should get new seals and bearings.

 

[bud4ya]

Thanks

It is in here

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=214885

Since it all comes apart, I would replace the bearings now. Both sides should get new seals and bearings.

 

[96eb96]

Thanks

Not to rain on your parade, but sometimes that 9mm long pinion shaft bolt in his pictures breaks off when you try to get it out. Just be aware that it could happen, and there are kits to get it out. Its not really common but does sieze and break off.

 

[HahnsB2]

Your shaft(s) are also likely to be trashed where the bearing rides and it's going to end up costing more money to fix them and the oversize bearings.