If it’s leaking gear oil from the differential you have to pull the axles out on both sides, remove the diff cover and then the carrier to replace the inner axle seals.
The ‘seal’ you can see behind the ujoint on the diff housing is just a dust seal. Might as well replace that with the updated ones, they’re cheap and easy to do when the axle is out.
Make sure you get a new seal for the vacuum hubs.
@Galen
I was going to say this. The dust seal doesn’t keep fluid in or out. It’s the inner axle seals. Make sure none of the fluid leaks out.
If I may ask, why do all this work just to replace the dust covers?
Mal said:
If I may ask, why do all this work just to replace the dust covers?
Because if they leak, it’s a good idea to replace them while I have the axle off, which you need to do in order to replace the dust covers in the front axle on this truck. Plus, I’m slowly going through it after I got it six months ago.
@Perry
I was talking about the rotor covers, that’s what you originally decided to replace, right?
Mal said:
@Perry
I was talking about the rotor covers, that’s what you originally decided to replace, right?
Yes, and when I was down there poking around before I bought everything, I noticed the moisture on one side and the dried-up dust cover for the actual seal itself (not the rotor cover) on the other side.
Doesn’t look like it’s your wheel seal leaking. That looks like the inner axle seals. Mine has been leaving a little residue on the bottom of my knuckles like that for several years. I haven’t checked my front differential and it’s still not low. I think you’re good for a while. It might not look pretty, but as long as it’s still full when you check it, you’re probably fine.
That’s a lot of work for a seal that’s just going to keep leaking. I would only do it if you had other work to do, like ball joints or u-joints.
Bowie said:
That’s a lot of work for a seal that’s just going to keep leaking. I would only do it if you had other work to do, like ball joints or u-joints.
I’m replacing the brake rotor dust covers which requires the axle to be taken out anyway. Figure I should clean and refill the front diff oil since I just did the rear. Why do you think it will just keep leaking?
@Perry
It’s a lot of work for a dust seal. If it’s not leaking gear oil, I wouldn’t waste my time. I’ve had my 01 since new and probably drove it for 20 years without dust seals. They popped out the first couple of years I owned it, and I cut them off so I didn’t have to listen to them rattle when my hubs were locked. Don’t worry about the shields either. Save it for when you need ball joints or u-joints.
@Abi
Gotcha, will do. I’m at 185k right now, when should I do the u-joints on the knuckles? I’m doing the u-joints on the front and rear drive shaft in two weeks.
Perry said:
@Abi
Gotcha, will do. I’m at 185k right now, when should I do the u-joints on the knuckles? I’m doing the u-joints on the front and rear drive shaft in two weeks.
I wouldn’t worry about u-joints until you start hearing them knock a little when you’re turning with the hubs locked. You could still run them a little while after if you take it easy on them. As for your ball joints and your hubs, they’re fine until your tires start wearing on the inside or you start to see your wheels leaning in a little, showing the camber is off. If everything is tight when you jack the front end up and no loose movement, I’d run it.