Highest mileage (warranty) axle replacement?

[MMM2003]

Hey:

I guess it did pay off to get the extended service plan for my 2003 MM. My wife took the car to get an oil change (98,600miles), and the mechanic came out and told her abouut an axle seal leaking onto the brakes. They told her it would cost about $350 to replace it.

She called me and I told her to ask them about a TSB for early build Marauders on rear axle failures, and that this should be covered under warranty, since I had the 5yr/100k ESP coverage.

It'll still cost my $100 deductible, but at least the majority of the cost is covered.

BTW, they are also replacing the serpentine belt ($88) as it is starting to show some cracking.

Odd thing is, after I got the car back from the oil change the electronic compass isn't working anymore and the A/C is blowing air only to the Defrost and the Floor. Guess I gotta check on that next.

Thanks,

Peter aka MMM2003

[jimlam56]

I sure would do the belt myself.
They aren't much more than 25 bucks, and easy to replace.

[RF Overlord]

the mechanic came out and told her abouut an axle seal leaking onto the brakes. They told her it would cost about $350 to replace it.
Holy moley! $350 to replace an axle seal?! That's ludicrous...

they are also replacing the serpentine belt ($88) as it is starting to show some cracking.That's also ludicrous...I'm not disputing that it needs replacement, especially at that mileage, but the cost is outragreous...it's a 5 minute job, tops. All you need is a 5/8" wrench...(something close to that, anyway) As jimlam suggested, DIY.

[MENINBLK]

...it's a 5 minute job, tops. All you need is a 5/8" wrench...

I'll agree that the price is very high for this type of service,
but replacing an AXLE SEAL is not a 5 minute job.
You need to pull the axle, which requires opening, draining, resealing and refilling the rear end,
as well as removing and replacing the rear caliper with brakes, caliper mount, disc, and emergency brakes.
So this is NOT in any shape, way, or form, a "5 minute" job.

[kj31067]

I'll agree that the price is very high for this type of service,
but replacing an AXLE SEAL is not a 5 minute job.
You need to pull the axle, which requires opening, draining, resealing and refilling the rear end,
as well as removing and replacing the rear caliper with brakes, caliper mount, disc, and emergency brakes.
So this is NOT in any shape, way, or form, a "5 minute" job.



uuuummm , i think overlord meant the belt......

[RF Overlord]

MIB, dude...you need to read my reply again...

[Bradley G]

Come on Bob, Five Minutes!:D You can do it!
Great news!
Ford ESP,... the only way to fly!

[MMM2003]

Holy moley! $350 to replace an axle seal?! That's ludicrous...
That's also ludicrous...I'm not disputing that it needs replacement, especially at that mileage, but the cost is outragreous...it's a 5 minute job, tops. All you need is a 5/8" wrench...(something close to that, anyway) As jimlam suggested, DIY.

Thanks for all the responses. The dealer already ordered the part and I wanted to get the belt taken care of quickly. If I would have more time these days, I probably would have done it myself.

I found some other threads in regards to the axle seal. $350 seems to be a pretty common estimate, not disputing that it is overpriced, but I wasn't surprised by it.

Again, thanks for the feedback :up: and I'll let you know how things come out.

Thanks,

Peter

[magindat]

The AC thing is a simple vaccuum leak. Probly a hose got knocked off in service.

The compass is probly just turned off. Press the button.

[prchrman]

Shouldn't the bearings be replaced also?...in most applications where I have fixed a bearing seal the bearings are worn also and the extra slop in movement of the axle is what kills the seal...is this not the case with this defect? willie

[MMM2003]

Shouldn't the bearings be replaced also?...in most applications where I have fixed a bearing seal the bearings are worn also and the extra slop in movement of the axle is what kills the seal...is this not the case with this defect? willie

Don't know. I believe this is the common fix applied by Ford for this problem. I can only ass-u-me that Ford knows what needs to be replaced to fix the problem.

Thanks,

Peter

[MMM2003]

The AC thing is a simple vaccuum leak. Probly a hose got knocked off in service.

That was my first thought as well. I checked what I could under the dash and didn't see, hear, or notice any leak. Is there a separate hose for the vent only from the engine compartment or under the dash. Does anyone know which color of the 7 hoses is for the AC/Vent setting?


The compass is probly just turned off. Press the button.
Which button is that? I don't think I ever noticed a button to turn it on or off.

Thanks for the info!

Peter aka MMM2003

[SergntMac]

Shouldn't the bearings be replaced also?...in most applications where I have fixed a bearing seal the bearings are worn also and the extra slop in movement of the axle is what kills the seal...is this not the case with this defect? willieActually, Willie, it's a good estimate, based on what they can see wrong at the present time.

The major expense here is accessing, preparing and replacing the seal, because of what has to come off/out to gain access to the leaking seal. 350. is in the neighborhood, and if after an eyeball inspection, bearing replacement is a matter of additional parts at that time.

Plus, and also not mentioned, is the axle seal/bearings opposite the leaking seal. This may also need to be replaced, and that will be extra R&R of the wheel/rotor/axle assemblies to get to that. Replacing both as needed, add 100 bucks labor, plus the cost any parts.

This esitimate, IMHO, is clean and fair, based on what is known at the time. Likewise, the serpenting belt estimate. Shop rates in my neighborhood are 75 bucks per hour, figure the cost of a serpentine belt, and 88 bucks is fair if you are not a home wrench, or, don't have the time.

Just my .02C, carry on gents.

[MMM2003]

Which button is that? I don't think I ever noticed a button to turn it on or off.

Thanks for the info!

Peter aka MMM2003

Funny thing. Had the car for four years now and never realized that the "MODE" button actually turns the compass on and off.

Thanks!

Peter