Steve Young

I have the common oil seal leak on the front axle shaft of my 2007 2-dr Rubi. I was a bit nervous about tackling the replacement myself (I considered it!) so I dropped it off at the local mechanic (who I have know for a long time and trust).

He just called and said that he had the cover off and it was clear to him that some special equipment/care would be required to change the seal. I called a couple of other places and same sort of story.

Here are the questions:

How difficult is it really and do I really need special tools (I can borrow a spreader)?

I need to make a road trip (2x400 miles) and I won't be able to get the seal fixed before then. The leak is getting worse but I figure that if I check the level every couple of hundred miles and top up if/as necessary then that should be O.K. Does this seem reasonable - what is the chance of catastrophic seizure on the freeway (if any).

Thanks for your advice.

Steve

Steve Young

Yes - I mean the axle shaftr seal as oppsed to the pinion seal (is there another one that I am unaware of?)

JCKnauer22

if it's the front axle, the seal is at the differential end of the axle tube, not at the wheel end. in other words, there is a seal on either side of the pumpkin rather than at either end of the axle

Steve Young

That's extremely helpful - thanks very much.

I loved your custom snorkel mod also...

Steve