I just took my truck in to Big-O for a tire rotation and flat fix. They told me that the rear axle seal is worn out and that 90 wt gear oil has contaminated the brakes and drum.....Therefore both back brakes need an overhaul and the axle needs a new seal. Whats up with this? My truck only has 37k. Anyone else out there have anything similar to this happen?

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1997 Ford F-250 Heavy Duty 4x4 V-8 460ci. 5-speed. 3.55 limited slip.K&N Filter, Flowmaster Dual exhaust,Big-O 285 75r16' XT,

 

Be very careful about that. The "leaking rear seal" that is "found" in brake work is one of the oldest scams around. Not saying that has to be the case here, but watch out! It was always a favorite of chain-type auto service places.

 

Thank them, pay for the tires, and head on down the road. Either jack it up and look at it yourself or take it somewhere reputable. I agree with granpa, these chain outfits aren't the most ethical.

 

You can tell 99.9% of the time if you have a leaking seal and contaminated brakes:BRAKE DRAG. You can't mistake it and it's usually not obvious by sight unless you remove the brake drum (assuming you have rear drum brakes).

 

The brake scam is a favorite when they do the 'free' tire rotation. Since yours is a pretty new vehicle, they couldn't do the other brake scam, which is claiming that your drums are out of spec and the shoes are making metal to metal contact. Most people are worried sick that their brakes won't work, so they will pay for an unecessary, over priced brake job, no questions asked. Of course, maybe you went to an honest shop and they were straight up.

[This message has been edited by dirt bike dave (edited 03-07-2000).]

 

Ford had a problem on the 95-97 f-250 and f-350 trucks. The rear axle seals on the full float and semi float rear axles tend to leak.
Sometimes if they are leaking bad enough and long enough you can look at the backing plates they will look wet at the bottom. If you want pull the rear drums off and look at the brakes. Ford has a updated seal, oil slinger, and bearing for this problem.

 

The problem wasn't only on the 95-97 models. I had a 92 f250, with the same 10.25" axle. It went through 3 sets of axleseals and rear brakes (under warranty) before they finally got it right by bringing out the new seal and oil slinger assembly. It can be a legitimate problem, But I would advise any one to check the brakes yourself ANYTIME a shop recomends you need brake work, unless of course thats what you took it in for.

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BigBunnell

98 F150 4X4 XLT flareside V6 5sp K&N Flowmaster and some other goodies