Mine started leaking today where the dust cover meets the rotor. How hard is it to change and can I do it myself? Any special tools needed? Anyone had this happen?
Thanks
Dave

 

My '02 is doing the same thing. Drivers side too. Hate cleaning that crap off my wheels! I've been wondering if this is a do it yourself job or not. subscribing.......

Jason

 

I've had mine leak a couple times. Dealer replaced it under warrenty each time. The pinion seal leaked too...but the dealership messed up my pinion when they tried to fix that, so they had to do bearings and all sorts of parts too.

 

Ford's service data says to first check the rear axle vent, to be sure it isn't blocked, causing oil to be forced out the axle seals. If it is OK, you have to remove the differential cover and drain the fluid. Next remove (and Ford says replace) the pinion cross shaft bolt. Slide the cross shaft out and you can then push the axle inward to remove the u-washer that holds it in place. Once the u-washer, which I'd call a c-clip, is removed, the axle is only held in by the brake disc.
Remove the caliper and the axle should slide right out. Ford says not to remove just the axle seal, but to remove the seal by removing the axle bearing and seal together. You can probably just remove the seal as long as you don't get dirt or debris in the bearing. Install the new seal and make sure it and the axle are lubed with diff fluid before you slide the axle back in. It is not a big job, but you'll want to have another car available because nobody ever has the right seal, fluid and sealers after only one trip to the parts store.