Axle seal leak?

OldBlue61 · July 17, 2019

Well, I was under the truck the other day, changing the lube in both axles, and the right rear backing plate looks like it's covered with lube/dirt from a leaking seal. Is that a correct assumption? How tough is it to change these yourself? With all the work I've done on cars/trucks over the years, I've never messed around much with differentials. If I have to change this out, bearings will be done at the same time. Any guestimates as to what a shop would charge if I don't want to do this myself?

silveradosid · July 17, 2019

pretty easy to do. remove wheel and brake hardware, remove diff cover and then remove the bolt that hold the pin in the center, slide the pin out. then push in on the axle and take out the C clip and pull the axle out. replace seal and bearing and do the reverse to put it back together

kickass audio · July 17, 2019

Since I see you have a 2015 see if you are covered under your powertrain warranty and take it in if you are. It is unfortunate that you already put fresh diff fluid in since they will need to drain it and refill it. I had taken mine in and the dealer put a new axle shaft in and new seal since my driver side seal was leaking a tiny bit. I later on replaced my parking brake since it was messed up from the fluid coming into contact with the brake material.

diyer2 · July 17, 2019

I had my rear axle seals done recently.

I paid $250.

I got estimates up to $450.

OldBlue61 · July 17, 2019

Thanks everybody. Doesn't sound too difficult if it's not covered by any kind of warranty. With 75k on it, I know I still have a little power-train warranty left, so I'll at least call the dealer.

Thanks kickass audio, I'll check and see if it's covered. WTH, can't hurt to try.

Lsgun1 · July 17, 2019

If its not and you got a free hour or two I'd do it myself. The directions above are spot on.

davester · July 17, 2019

If you have drum-style parking brakes (which it appears you have), you may also need to clean and/or replace the brake shoes, as they commonly get loaded with oil. And check the disc brake pads as well, to see if they are oiled up.

OldBlue61 · July 18, 2019

Tell me how this makes sense...

I stopped by the dealer on the way home yesterday, and the seal is covered under the power train warranty. Good news. The wheel bearing is NOT covered under the power train warranty. Not so good news. Don't quite get that one, and even the service people were kinda stumped by that one. Looks like I'll be doing this myself at home.

Thanks everyone for your info and input.

jay webb · August 20, 2019

On 7/18/2019 at 6:12 AM, OldBlue61 said:

Tell me how this makes sense...

I stopped by the dealer on the way home yesterday, and the seal is covered under the power train warranty. Good news. The wheel bearing is NOT covered under the power train warranty. Not so good news. Don't quite get that one, and even the service people were kinda stumped by that one. Looks like I'll be doing this myself at home.

Thanks everyone for your info and input.

you dont need to change the wheel bearing for an axle seal . however if you chose to do so, they can do it at a reduce labor cost cuz well they are already in there and already have the axle out. issue is the other side which isnt leaking, you will have to change that axle seal to change the bearing.

if there is nothing wrong with the bearings then dont worry about it.

djw88 · August 20, 2019

7 hours ago, jay webb said:

you dont need to change the wheel bearing for an axle seal . however if you chose to do so, they can do it at a reduce labor cost cuz well they are already in there and already have the axle out. issue is the other side which isnt leaking, you will have to change that axle seal to change the bearing.

if there is nothing wrong with the bearings then dont worry about it.

i agree

if the bearing is good i wouldn't worry about it just have them do the seal

OldBlue61 · August 20, 2019

8 hours ago, jay webb said:

you dont need to change the wheel bearing for an axle seal . however if you chose to do so, they can do it at a reduce labor cost cuz well they are already in there and already have the axle out. issue is the other side which isnt leaking, you will have to change that axle seal to change the bearing.

if there is nothing wrong with the bearings then dont worry about it.

I understand that, but the wheel bearing is starting to hum and will need replaced shortly, so might as well do it once I have it apart.