Right rear axle leak---Dana 44--seal or replace the whole axle?

[77BroncoSport]

My 77 has a right rear leak and either need to replace the axle entirely (2nd time in 1500 miles this has happened).

Thoughts on the estimated cost? Not doing it myself but I figure probably 1.5 hours of work, maybe $75 for bearing and seal. Thinking roughly $175-$200 for a rear axle. Maybe $350-$400 for a local wrench.

Am I on track with the pricing?

I usually go to Sexton Offroad but its too far out of the way and going to scout out somewhere local to Salt Lake City. Maybe Paul's in Sandy---about 2 miles from my house.

 

[NC-Fordguy]

You have a rear dana 44 on your bronco? Either way you may want to check the vent tube to make sure it's not clogged with debris. If the vent tube is clogged pressure develops within the axle and that pressure can blow out a seal.

 

[Apogee]

What happened to your Ford 9"?

If you have the stock Ford 9", are you running the stock style bearings and internal oil seals, or something aftermarket like the o-ring sealed aftermarket ball bearing or externally sealed SET20 tapered roller bearing axles?

 

[needabronco]

$75 for a seal and bearing? I'd believe $30-40... Sounds like you may need a new mechanic, or learn to turn a wrench it really isn't hard.

 

[Timmy390]

Stock rear wheel bearings Ford 9 are between $15 and $21 bucks depending on the brand. Axle seal is $3 to $8 depending on style and brand. Then you have labor on that.

Second time it's leaked.......Either the axle cup/end/flange is damaged (mine was) or the axle has a grove in it where the seal rides (mine did) or it's rusted/pitted (mine was). The grove can be repaired with a speedi sleeve. You could also try a good "double lipped" seal.

I ended up going with new axles. Upgraded to 31 spline with SET20 roller bearings but WH (maybe others too) sell 28 spline axles with SET20's on them.

Going with SET20 bearings and axles are as easy as pulling the old axles, remove the old seal, slide in new axle.

Tim

 

[JAFO]

Really easy job to pull the rear axle. Remove the wheel, slip off the drum. Remove 4 nuts. Pull out the axle. Pry out the old seal and tap in a new one. Put some grease on the seal lip, and put the axle back in. Check that the axle doesn't have a bad groove where the seal runs. And check the diff vent is open as said.

Remove the nuts from those four studs. Pry the seal out of that hole and tap in a new one.

 

[77BroncoSport]

My bad, I do not have a Dana 44 rear axle. Appreciate the insight. I was just shooting from the him on prices and now I have a good idea.

Found my receipt from when it was done in 2012 and it was $168 total to have it done. $112.00 in labor and $56 for the Timken wheel bearing (SET20) and rear axle seal. I have no issues paying because I dont like working on cars so no, I wont be turning any wrenches soon. Have enough on my plate to keep me busy these days.

 

[work765]

Jeez. I just figured a wrench came with Broncos. I have a new problem/project monthly.

 

[ntsqd]

Sometimes the time that you'd spend working on a vehicle is too valuable to be used working on a vehicle. Like going to your son's first baseball game or your daughter's first play, or......

I get paying to have it done, but it seems to me that there is a problem here not being addressed. The only guy that I know anywhere close to you that I'd trust to work on my own truck(s) is Kurt at Cruiser Outfitters. Lucky you, they're in Sandy. Unlucky you, he pretty much only works on Land Cruisers. However, he probably knows someone in the area worth talking to. You need the guy who works on your truck like he's working on his own truck. One who fixes the problem, not the symptom.

 

[Rustytruck]

Is the oil leaking from your axle thick and very stinky? Or is it thin clear and not too stinky. It could be a leaky brake cylinder. Both leak from the same area. Check the fluid in your master cylinder.

 

[77BroncoSport]

Sometimes the time that you'd spend working on a vehicle is too valuable to be used working on a vehicle. Like going to your son's first baseball game or your daughter's first play, or......

I get paying to have it done, but it seems to me that there is a problem here not being addressed. The only guy that I know anywhere close to you that I'd trust to work on my own truck(s) is Kurt at Cruiser Outfitters. Lucky you, they're in Sandy. Unlucky you, he pretty much only works on Land Cruisers. However, he probably knows someone in the area worth talking to. You need the guy who works on your truck like he's working on his own truck. One who fixes the problem, not the symptom.

I have zero desire to work on my Bronco--never have, never will. Working on cars is like my first set of stitches or my slamming a finger in a car door. Its just not my cup of tea. There are a few Bronco wrenches at the Ford Dealership and I have never had any issues with them working on my vehicle in the past. Sexton Offroad in Kamas, UT ---the have done a lot of work but its too far out of the way and turns into a time issue for me. Pauls Automotive is Sandy is very reputable---family owned, specialize in 4x4.

***Its an axle leak for sure.

 

[JAFO]

I paid a tile guy recently to tile our bathroom. But no way anyone but me touches the Bronco to do repairs. I know it like the back of my hand and doubt anyone else will be as picky as me. But I get not wanting to wrench.....wait, no I don't. But I enjoy wrenching like other people enjoy golf I guess. Gives me satisfaction.

 

[ntsqd]

At this point, two axle seal leaks in too short of a time frame w/o obnoxiously severe use in between, I'd want to know that the axle housing isn't bent. Bent badly and they'd have invented some new swear words putting the axle back in, but bent slightly and a distracted tech might not have noticed it.

 

[77BroncoSport]

At this point, two axle seal leaks in too short of a time frame w/o obnoxiously severe use in between, I'd want to know that the axle housing isn't bent. Bent badly and they'd have invented some new swear words putting the axle back in, but bent slightly and a distracted tech might not have noticed it.

That's not the case---I had it looked at very closely about 2 years ago--should have had it fixed then but didnt. Rarely drive it and going to pull the top off for the summer to put around now and then. I'm going to replace both axles and be done with it.

 

[ntsqd]

I guess I misread or misunderstood. My understanding was this was the second time in not very many miles, but over some span of time.

 

[77BroncoSport]

I ordered a new set of rear axles from Wild Horses yesterday and will have them installed next week.

 

[Crawdad]

I look forward to the write up!!! I'm also looking at those same drop-in axles.

 

[77BroncoSport]

I received the new axle kits today from Wild Horses and its heading to the shop next week.