NHMJXJ Posted September 4, 2020 Share Posted September 4, 2020 Discovered a leak to the ground, curbside front, when I got home from work on Wednesday ... I wiped everything down, but couldn't find the source. Brake pedal is firm, caliper is dry, no visible breaks in lines or hoses. Didn't smell like motor oil and everywhere else is dry. I came out Thursday morning, there's a significant pool. I'm told it's the axle seal. I'm not a wrench, so off to the shop it goes. What is entailed in replacement and what can I expect for labor hours? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Limeyjeeper Posted September 4, 2020 Share Posted September 4, 2020 The axle seal on a Dana 30 is a pain. They are inner seals. You have to pull both rotors and hub assemblies. Pull the axle shafts, then you have to pull the diff assembly out of the housing to get to the seals. They are located right by the diff carrier bearings. Probably a 2 hour job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldSch88L Posted September 4, 2020 Share Posted September 4, 2020 The worst one is the outside seal when you have a Dana 30 CAD, espescially if you don't have the special tool... In that case, the best option is to switch to a 1-piece axle IMO... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Limeyjeeper Posted September 5, 2020 Share Posted September 5, 2020 Yea forgot about that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghetdjc320 Posted September 5, 2020 Share Posted September 5, 2020 19 hours ago, NHMJXJ said: Discovered a leak to the ground, curbside front, when I got home from work on Wednesday ... I wiped everything down, but couldn't find the source. Brake pedal is firm, caliper is dry, no visible breaks in lines or hoses. Didn't smell like motor oil and everywhere else is dry. I came out Thursday morning, there's a significant pool. I'm told it's the axle seal. I'm not a wrench, so off to the shop it goes. What is entailed in replacement and what can I expect for labor hours? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! Most shops go off of their software or books that give hours for a job. My guess is this one is going to be 6 or so hours by the book. It really only take about an hour if you know what your doing. Make sure they put in a decent seal like a Timken or National. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NHMJXJ Posted September 5, 2020 Author Share Posted September 5, 2020 4 hours ago, ghetdjc320 said: Make sure they put in a decent seal like a Timken or National. Thank you ... I'll ask for one of those brands. The service writer's quote where I bring my vehicles is in line with what you wrote for hours as well. Quick math knowing their shop rate and the figure he gave me. I don't know what's under there (Dana 30?), but he did mention "dropping the pumpkin". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZJeff Posted September 5, 2020 Share Posted September 5, 2020 2 minutes ago, NHMJXJ said: Thank you ... I'll ask for one of those brands. The service writer's quote where I bring my vehicles is in line with what you wrote for hours as well. Quick math knowing their shop rate and the figure he gave me. I don't know what's under there (Dana 30?), but he did mention "dropping the pumpkin". Yes, it's a Dana 30 on all MJ's with 4WD. And yes, the "carrier" must be removed to remove/install the seals, and sometimes is referred to as "the pumpkin". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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