Rear Axle Leak!

[Hobson]

After smelling diff fluid today, I climbed up and noticed that I have developed a leak on my passenger rear side. My first issue in 170k so I guess I can't complain.

Does anyone know of a step by step guide to replace it? I have searched around and it seems kind of rare with the 4th gens. I know one seal requires a press, should I just take it to the stealership?

 

[fdbyrne]

I don't know of any walkthroughs but I don't believe that the axle seal needs a press. Remove the wheel, the caliper, loosen the parking brake, remove the rotor, then remove the 4 bolts holding the axle assembly to the housing. After that, the whole axle will slide out and you'll see the leaky seal left in the differential housing. Pry it out, tap a new one in and reassemble.

The seals can fail from general wear, but it isn't common. It's often caused by a bad bearing allowing the axle to wobble or a blocked differential breather. Be sure to check both of those or you'll be doing the job all over again.