2002 Rear Axle Seal leaking

[pschultzy]

I see differential oil leaking on the rear axle near the gears on my 2002 Thunderbird. I can't find any videos on how to fix, assuming there is a seal in there. Can anyone provide insight to how to replace that seal and if i need any special tools?

If you have a part # that would be really helpful as well 🙂

thanks in advance.

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[biddle]

I can't find any videos on how to fix, assuming there is a seal in there.

Not many repair videos, Lincoln LS videos are helpful sometimes. You need a service manual.

 

[Paul Kethman]

That's the CV joint on the axle. If you're getting drips of oil coming off it, you may have a leak from the center section/diff. If it's just grease oozing out of the joint, it may be time for a new axle. You might be able to replace the axle, but unless you're an experienced mechanic, you should have pinion or axle seals on the center section looked at by a professional. Leaks at those seals are often caused by excessive play due to worn bearings.

 

[pschultzy]

That's the CV joint on the axle. If you're getting drips of oil coming off it, you may have a leak from the center section/diff. If it's just grease oozing out of the joint, it may be time for a new axle. You might be able to replace the axle, but unless you're an experienced mechanic, you should have pinion or axle seals on the center section looked at by a professional. Leaks at those seals are often caused by excessive play due to worn bearings.

I cleaned all the oil/grease from the CV Boot and axle, then drove it for awhile and i see there is a small leak coming from where the axle enters the housing. I assume that means that there is a issue with the axle seal. Would that make sense to just pull the axle and replace the seal?

 

[Paul Kethman]

I cleaned all the oil/grease from the CV Boot and axle, then drove it for awhile and i see there is a small leak coming from where the axle enters the housing. I assume that means that there is a issue with the axle seal. Would that make sense to just pull the axle and replace the seal?

You can try.
With the amount of dry rot on the rubber bushings and grease seals I have found on my car, it's possible just the oil seal failed.
My experience with seals like this in the past has been that the bearing behind the seal is worn and has excessive play causing the leak.
If replacing just the seal is something you can do, give it a try. Worst case, it will still leak.

 

[pschultzy]

is there any 'trick' to getting that axle out? I am using a 5# slide hammer and getting nowhere, doesn't seem to want to pop out. I've put some penetrating oil where the axel enters, slid the hammer many times and pretty hard, but it is not budging. So before i break something, wanted to check to see if there is something obvious that i am missing or someone has great words of advice.

thanks in advance.