The dreaded front axle seal leak

[Jester4kicks]

So I think I've finally narrowed down an annoying oil leak to the front differential, driver side axle seal. Now I'm trying to decide what to do about it.

I've read a few threads on here about replacing the entire axle with and without replacing that seal. The process doesn't seem that complicated, but there are several tools involved that I'd have to rent or buy, and I'm still not sure how to pry the axle out of the diff *without* damaging the dust shield.

Although I generally hate paying for repairs, I checked the local stealership and was quoted $220 for the job (providing my own gear oil, which I already purchased cause it's about time to swap anyway).

What would you do?

 

[emoore924]

$220 to have the dealer do the job? Heck, for that, have them do it twice!

 

[TORCH]

It's not a hard fix but it is a pain in the a$$. Just make sure it's sealed before you put it back together

 

[Gatafly]

$220 to have the dealer do the job? Heck, for that, have them do it twice!

Yep, I would let them do it also for that price. Worth not having the headache or trying to fit it into your schedule. If the T4R is a second vehicle that you can work on it in your leisure then I would say go for it, but if it is your daily driver, let them do it.

 

[ben550]

Dealership all the way for that price. Your time is worth the money.

 

[txclimber]

$220 is hard to pass up, BUT......While I tend to agree with the previous posters about letting the dealer do the job, there is another angle to consider.

If you are using your ride to take you into remote and rugged places, those CV axles are a pretty vulnerable component. If you have never changed one, would you rather your first time be in the middle of nowhere, in the dark, with cactus in your back--or--at home on your terms?

Neither that $220 nor the time you save will buy you the experience or piece of mind you'll gain by doing it yourself.