Trying to hold off, but have to do it.

[prg333]

Last time I got my oil changed in February. The mechanic had noticed the Right Rear Wheel seal was leaking. I knew the fluid had been a tad low 4 months prior. So I think it is time to replace both the right and left rear differential and service the unit. I know if I let it go it will go from being a few hundred dollars to A FEW THOUSAND!

Have other members run into this problem? I have 151,274 on the old girl.

But everyone says she looks nearly new.

I also just had to get a new lower left front ball joint today along with both side end links. Along with an alligment and new front and rear tires.

Gotta kind of expect to have to but in some larger sums of $$$ at 10 years and 151.274 miles.

I do keep the old girl hibernating for the the months of Nov-early March. Only taking her out once a week for a short drive

[wannaMM]

In my 2004 I had a "noise" on the interstate..a rumbling ,low pitched.

Turned out to be a "worn" wheel bearing on passenger rear.(not leaking)

NAPA has a "trick " bearing that allows you to install on a "grooved" shaft (is 1.5 X wider)...saving the cost of a new (if available) shaft.

Replaced bearings both sides, new seals, Ltd slip lube and got out less than $250 including labor...

Good Luck with repair!!!:)

[RF Overlord]

NAPA has a "trick " bearing that allows you to install on a "grooved" shaft (is 1.5 X wider)...saving the cost of a new (if available) shaft.That's a band-aid at best. Usually the groove is the result of a defective axle shaft so all the trick bearing does is make another groove elsewhere.

[loud2004marquis]

^^^I'm thinking what he said^^^

[martyo]

^^^I'm thinking what he said^^^

Sai in other words, the grooves are not so groovy!

[sailsmen]

That's a band-aid at best. Usually the groove is the result of a defective axle shaft so all the trick bearing does is make another groove elsewhere.

My band-aid lasted less than 5K. Ended up replacing the axle.

[wannaMM]

7000 MI so far...saving my pennies for an upgrade..IF and when needed....

[Marauder_Santa]

Had the same thing a few years ago. I understand that this is a common issue.

[Spectragod]

That's a band-aid at best. Usually the groove is the result of a defective axle shaft so all the trick bearing does is make another groove elsewhere.

^^^^100%^^^^ true, fix it right and fix it once. Axles are cheaper than rear end assemblies if you let it go that far.

[prg333]

How much does an new Axel cost and the labor and time to put it in, VS rear end assemblies time and labor?I already had the bearings moved to another part of the Axle. Since a gouge was being bore into a section the axle.

My mechanic said it might be good just to get a entire new axle and new bearings

Opinion please?

[RF Overlord]

Entire new axle as in new axle housing? No...just get a new axle shaft for the bad side and have him check the other side. Pulling it apart is easy...

[gdmjoe]

prg333 - How much does an new Axel cost and the labor and time to put it in, VS rear end assemblies time and labor?I already had the bearings moved to another part of the Axle. Since a gouge was being bore into a section the axle.

My mechanic said it might be good just to get a entire new axle and new bearings

Opinion please?
Buy the kit - part # 3W1Z-4A109-AA
note: Contains ALL the necessary components to replace both axles (including dif' lub' and friction modifier). *According to the TSB (*.below) labor is 1½ hours (which IIRC was about how long it took to do mine back in 2005).

http://www.gdmjoe.com/gothvic\documents\tsbdefective rearaxles.jpg

[prg333]

Great thank you. I will just have him order one or two axle shafts. Just in case the other one may need to be replaced. Better then getting the entire Axel housing. Less $$$ and time. I will order the 3W1Z-4A109-AA kit as well.