Ford Rear Axle Seal Leak Repair 

great video..just changed my rear brakes and saw that my left rear seal is leaking..another weekend of fun ahead..glad I found your vids , you make my life easier..thanks

Also guys. Check/blow out your axle vent line as well. I had both seals leaking and read on the forums I believe to check for blockage in the vent, which will let pressure build in the diff and tubes and blow out the seals. Mine was plugged

Thank you for your video, I just fixed this issue on my 2007 F150, this is about the most “difficult” thing I’ve done myself on my vehicle, but with your help I was able to get it done. Thanks again and God Bless you!

I watched several videos before attempting this repair yesterday and I wish I'd seen this one, this is the clearest and easiest to follow instruction out of all the ones I'd seen and I may have been able to avoid the mechanic had I had his calming narration to guide me through the task. Granted I was in an AutoZone parking lot and not in an ideal neighborhood so the mechanic was a welcome alternative by that point but watching this video kinda makes me want to try the job on a scrap vehicle just to get familiar with the differential setup.

Just did my rear diff today on my 2001 S-crew. I had a worn bearing and leaking right rear seal that cut into my right axle shaft. Thank you for the step by step vids. Very informative as always. Thanks again for helping us out!!!👍🏼

Thanks! Super helpful! Just got a 95 Mazda B2300 with leaking axle seal and I have never done bearings or seals or anything with the differential before. This was well shot and well explained! It all went just as you demonstrated. Feeling good! Thank you!

Best rear diff/seals vid i have seen. Appreciate the attention to detail, not some 3 minute hack vid. How can someone seriously think a 3 minute video can explain a repair like this?? Keep up the good work, i know how making videos is a lot of work. Much appreciated

You're still the best after all of these years Tech.

I just finished this service. I blew the vent clear by reaching in to the vent tube through the left rear wheel well, cut the rubber tubing blew the vent both ways with around 120 lbs of air. There was definitely some crap in the upper tube. I simply spliced it with a 1/4 inch brass hose barb and two mini clamps. Replacing the seals was pretty easy, but being that I will hit 78 in two months, I really wished I had a two post lift. I had to go to NAPA for the right seals after Amazon sent me the wrong ones. I used Valvoline full synthetic in the squeeze bags. It took three 1 qt. Bags. The guy/gal that came up with that idea was a true genius. I also used the felpro gasket. I don't like using sealant on this type of repair. I just got rid of the emergency brakes, as I never use them on this truck, and my backing plate rusted through where the pins go through it to hold the spring clips in place. The bolts are 5/16-18 in case you want to replace a couple of the top bolts with studs to hang the cover on. I pre stuck the gasket to the cover with spray adhesive after cleaning, priming and painting the outside.

That's a hell of a video! Thank you very much. My brother just bought his friend's 2012 F150 and drove to show me when I noticed a bunch of diff oil running down the wheel and tire flowing into the street. He hadn't even noticed it... We will be using your video as a guide. Keep up the great work!

As a '09 F150 owner I am glad I came across your video. Very well explained and thorough!! I still have a few miles to go before I have to change out my bearings or diff fluid but I certainly subscribed and will refer to your videos in the future. Thanks again Peter Ontario, CAN

Great vid as always did on my dads F150 few years back ,there is only one thing I would suggest is to check axle vent hose and fitting they get clogged with dirt at times or pinched wich tends to blow seals out ,but great instruction vid.

I m Edward from Brazil. As a ford lover, I couldnt miss to subscribe your channel. Here in Brazil we dont have much V8´s and automatic transmission, but we may get some in our repair shop once in while, so I m here watching the videos to learn more how to work on them. So, thanks for your videos.

great Video the only thing i would add is that the first thing to look for when you get an axle leak is a plugged breather tube ( rubber hose near the middle of the axle where the brake lines split off from) often the hose is missing. the breather gets plugger the diff heats up causing pressure which forces oil out of the seals. also as the oil is the most expensive part of this repair i always replace all of the seals since i have it apart anyhow again great video!

Brian, I've watched so many of your videos and have learned so much from you. I want to say thanks for making such great videos!

I can't believe how expensive the synthetic 75W 140 is ! I was sorely tempted to go with the 85W 140 conventional , but I decided to go with the recommended even though it cost three times as much .

The best vid I found in RU-vid, I checked other ones but yours makes it easier and less complicated. Thank you.

Great pointers and explained well. Thanks for the confidence boost. Im off to get 75w 140 , Friction booster an some sealer.

I follow a lot of your videos, so I appreciate that you have this out there - I have this exact problem, but I"m wondering, should I just plan to replace both seals or just the one that has the leak? It seems like a good amount of effort to do one if the other may develop the same leak soon...

Thank you for spending the time for us, I was going to take mine in because i am getting too old for this stuff but thanks to you I am going to do the repair my self. great video.. I have a 2007 f150 and it is my first ford and I have to say its my last I have got the biggest lemon I think for has ever made or there really is a chevy god and he is really pissed at me for jumping ship. Thanks again Brian

Another great video. I am looking at a tone ring replacement on a 2005 F250 SD Diesel. I am trying to find some information on that how to. Do you have any video recommendations?

I have a 2010 FX4 with an E-locker. I'm replacing the fluid in a few days and was wondering if I need to add the friction modifier?

Thank you for sharing this video . It was very helpful to me. Good step by step instruction . Does this procedure work for a 1997 Ford Crown Victoria police interceptor as well ?

About to change bearings and seal on my 09 F-150. You where the only person I could think of right off the bat that I knew would be using Motorcraft parts lol. Had to make sure my seal I got looks the same. Thanks!

Hi Brian. Thanks for this video. I see it is quite old. I just changed the rear brakes on my 2004 at 165,000 miles and noticed that the right seal needs to be replaced. One thing that i cannot understand is why Ford decided to commit suicide with the new style trucks. I also own a 1994 F150, and it has been absolutely bullet proof. The rear axle seals are still good, it has normal spark plugs, it did not need a complete timing job, fuel pum modulator or anything else. It needed a water pump at around 80k, and an alternator last year.

Thank you so much for this!! I’m hoping that the same process will apply for me 1992 E-150? The local shop quoted $800 and I would love to do this myself. I enjoy doing my own work as long as I have toque specs etc. Oanother question, what types of sealant should I be purchasing for the differential housing and plug? Cheers!

Man, where were you 2 years ago when I had to replace my axle shaft on my 1998 Lincoln Town Car? Good stuff, as usual.

Awesome video thank you I have a 99 f-150 5.4 L V8 triton not sure what the axle is but I’m hoping I can get it done my self, I just noticed my rear passenger tire it’s very wet looking and I just hope it’s the seal I hope to hear from you thank you again

Thank you very much. I really appreciate your quick response!!!!! I look forward to more of your vids!!!

Hi Brian. Would you kindly do a video on 2011-2017 Ford Explorer rear differential fluid drain and fill service? I looked on BSG Automotive for similar on Mazda CX-9, but it seems Mazda was smart enough to design an accessible drain and fill plug.

Thanks for the video, very helpful. 2004 New Style F150 with 10.25 axle and 200,000 Miles. I also replaced the bearings, although I doubt it was necessary. There was some wear on the axle shafts and the fill hole was plugged with a thick greasy concoction of fine metallic particles. I assume it was from the ring gear assembly and drawn in there from the magnetic plug. Wear on the ring and pinion was not what I wanted to see, too far out on the teeth of the ring gear. Next up is the leaking pinion seal, and maybe a new ring and pinion sometime down the road.

Absolutely love your videos! Saved me a lot of money so far. So my 2006 f150 recently started to get a squeaking from the rear, changed brakes. Thought maybe some dust. Took them apart and cleaned everything good and checked for any rubbing from the rotor splash shield. Also watched your video with the heat shield on the driveshaft, wasn't that either. All seemed to check out. Could this be a rear bearing gone bad? It a similar squeaking like brakes which I notice at 10-20 mph. I don't want to have to take everything apart, replace and then the bearings be completely fine because it's my daily driver. Thanks!

Hello Brian. This video is so far the most detailed I have found on replacing a rear axle seal. I have a Ford Taurus X '08 with a passage rear axle seal that needs replaced. What I am wondering is this "how-to" the same for the Taurus X as well?

What sealant did you use on the differential? How long after applying the sealant do you install the cover? Thanks for the video.

Good vid. Got an 03 marquis needing an axle seal. What fluid will i be needing to refill diff?

Very well filmed and narrated! Very helpful! Thanks!

I had to do axle seals and bearings on my 2002. Easy work thanks to your video. Thank you so much!!

I just did this to my 2008 Ford F150. You are a lifesaver bro thank you so much!

Question before I head into work. Doing this repair on a 95 explorer with a traction lock diff. Any tips on that curvy spring thingie or what to do if the pin snaps? I've done this repair on an open diff on my bronco II (got lucky and the pin wasn't broken) This explorer is in rough shape and we're finding a lot of hidden sins the last owner never told us about. I'm expecting the pin to snap... And of course, does that S-Curve spring just drop out and go back in, and if so? Does it need to be directional.

Great video... What happens once you remove the pinion nut, but don't have a wheel puller? What if I was hammering the whole flange off, and the shaft is coming out as well? :-(

I've been looking for rear wheel seals for my 2004 model, and it's been confusing because apparently there's more than one type of wheel seal for more than one type of rear end. I can't seem to figure out what to look for, so if I could get some help, that would be appreciated.

I have a 2003 super crew when I was replacing mine I noticed a slight play after putting everything back together the play was in the axle when you push it straight in or out is that normal?

thanks for all your videos! but I'm wondering why use a silicone type sealant and not a paper gasket of some kind?

Would cleaning out the diff with brake cleaner be a not so bad idea? It evaporates not to mention a bunch of fresh fluid is going right in afterwards, but I have done about four of these myself and almost as many fronts (NEVER knew about any vent or even noticed if the seals were leaking or not, lol) I always used a gasket with red permatex and thought if ANY grit was left on the teeth, I was asking for trouble, so I'd use brake cleaner, and a rag in the bottom to wipe out the debris and excess cleaner. Any thoughts?

any videos on 2001 front solid axle inner oil seals replacement?

Wish you would do one on the clutch pack kit for LSD diffs.

Wow these oil seals are a pain to install without the manufacturers tool. Any suggestions?? Thanks again.

The rear differential in my 4x4 97 Expedition was leaking. My mechanic replaced the seal but two days later it began leaking again. Are there any additives, epoxies or other type of sealant that will help to stop the leak? Apparently the cover or axle housing are too far gone for the gasket alone to hold the fluid. Thanks

Maybe you have a different kind of wrench than I do, but I tried to do what you did and after tapping it a couple times with a hammer I had sheared off all the points on the head of the bolt (and it was a 5/16ths). I would not suggest that method. I did manage to get it out by sticking the same size socket on it, then adding an extension to that. I doesn't sit perfect but it still held way better than the round end of a wrench.

That was helpful. I noticed the rear brakes on my '03 Ranger felt weird and the brake wasn't holding very well. Pulled off the drums and found one side completely saturated with gear oil and the other side getting damp. Oh well, looks like an easy enough job to do. I'll obviously do both sides and will have to replace the brake shoes also since they're wet. I was considering putting new axle bearings in but I can't imagine they are bad. They are cheap enough to do while I'm in there I guess. Thanks for the video!

I had my seal done a year ago by a shop and the seal has been leaking for a year I've never replaced these before what should I do since I've never done these before I'll keep watching the video ,I have wicked bad anxiety when doing jobs I've never done before and mines on a 91 mustang gt

What's the best way to get the carrier bearing shims in while the differential is still under the truck?

Great video, im not changing mine but having a mechanic change it, but i wanted to know the process to make sure they dont mess with me, turns out seals are really cheap too

I watched a video where some dude used both a premade rear differential gasket and rtv gasket maker, what are your thoughts !!!

Hello. Love your attention to cleanliness and detail. I was concerned however that you dramatically over-tightened the 3/8 bolt for the locking bar. spec torque is only 20lbs. you probably had 2 or 3 times that.. can you give an input to your reasoning? Good luck with your helping tour - i have donated

Hi, I replaced the axle seals on my 2002 f150 4x4 -- Now I can't get the cross pin back in -- I used a hammer like you did, and it slightly marred the axle splines -- Should I just hammer them in anyways? It's really close to going in.

Is there any risk of the spider gears falling out? Everyone tells me they will fall out if your not careful

My mechanic discovered the 3/8" cross pin bolt (pinion shaft retaining bolt) on my F150 has its head broken off, so he got scared and replaced the diff. cover. Any suggestions on how I could remove the bolt? It doesn't look highly accessible for a drill.

Hello..GREAT VIDEO. I have to agree with the above comments, the detail is Phenominal. I have a question. On my 05 Explorer XLT I just found my fluid on my Left and Right Half shafts and am wondering if I go about repairing my truck the same way?? Do I need to remove both half shafts and the case?? Could you help Please? Thank you in advance.

i have 2003 ford e250 cargo van i have this crazy helicopter sound from rear side of the van when it goes to 50 above thats when it start one of the mechanic told me the rear both side wheel bearings needs be replace plus diferencial has a cranky sound aswell so it need be check . any suggestions???

Thankyou for your video. You make it look like an easy job. I plan on doing this job on my ford explorer.

Hi I have a question I got a 2006 f150 and I can jack the rear end up and move the driver side in and out the axle tube not much but enough to be worried about any thoughts to what it is and it's an 8.8

Is it any different for a 8.8 with the Trac Lok? will i need to remove the 'S' spring to get the axle clips off, or is it out of the way so i dont have to worry with it?

Hey I have a question my oil pressure light is on and I checked the oil and it at the right level what should I do?

This is, bar none, one of the best tutorials I've seen on RU-vid. Thanks for doing such a great job. I'm thinking about doing this myself, not a great mechanic but do my own fluid changes, tune ups, and so on. This looks like it's something I could do. Thanks again.

Hey man I have a 99 F250 LD would this have the same diff as the one in the video? I can't find any info on this truck at all but need to replace the seals ASAP.

I got a gusher leak on right rear on my 2001 F-150. It has disc brakes in back, so the service brakes should be ok. I plan on brake-Kleening the emergency brake like you did in the video, assuming not totally trashed. I had a similar leak on driver's side of my 1989 F-150, with drum rear brakes, so a bigger job. Seems like nothing on these diffs has changed back to at least 1989. I just hope my axle shaft is not gouged on the 2001, as I have not torn apart yet. Waiting on parts and ordered 1 new bearing just in case, but no new axle shaft.... Great video as usual!!!

Battery time for me... i saw your video on batterys and i think you said Auto Zone has a great battery correct??? i think you said it was a Dura last ??? please tell me should i get a interstate battery or a ford battery??? its for my 1996 F-150 4.9L 2 Wheel drive standard trans... thx...

thanks , you make the best tutorials out there

Is this what eventually happens if you never change the diff fluid like Ford recommends on my 2012 F150? Suppose to be good forever.

do you think the 2007 fX4 supercrew have LSD? when i spin my wheel the other side go opposite.my axle is B6

Best mechanic youtuber.thank you always say all neccassary things to know.

Brother you have a wonderful video here. Thank you so much for taking the time to tutor me on this job. Blessings!

Wonder why ford recommends 75w 140 on everything but the Crown Vic you mentioned which I assumed would be the same as the Town Car up until 2011 because they are the panther chassis. It seems that 75w 140 is a fully synthetic fluid and would give better protection than the 80w 90 that came in those Factory and what I assume is still recommended. I have seen some talk that in certain applications that 80w 90 differential fluid actually gives better protection then I fully synthetic 75w 140. Maybe it's one of those situations???

This is how you make vid! Very good vid,attention to detail great,thanks!

I did a dumb thing and I need some help. I upgraded my rear diff to a limited slip. I MAY have put way too much preload on my carrier bearings. Yukon says you almost can't put too much but I may have. I re-used my old shims and my backlash was in spec, and my gear markings looked really good. I am noticing too much metal shavings so I am going to take it apart again and redo it. The thing is, I am 100% confident I got my end caps or retainers on the correct side. I just don't know with 100% confidence if I got one or both put in upside down or not. How can I tell based on the markings? With the old 8.8s the caps had arrows that pointed out towards the axles. Not so with the 9.75 does the lettering or numbering go in a certain way? Does it go the same direction both sides or does one side marking go one way and the other side the other? HELP PLEASE. I am going to redo this and am prepared to change my carrier bearings and re shim before I ruin the other bearings but any help to know that I got the retainers on correctly would be MUCH help.

What weight fluid belongs in my 2011,F350 6.7 diesel, srw with 3.73 gears. The owners manual has two different weight oils. One for limited slip and one for 10.5 inch rear. How do I tell what axle is in truck. Thanks

I need to replace seals for a '14 F150 with E-locker Diff. Same procedure? Tnx

I have a 2011 F350 and was wondering if I need to put friction modifier in the rear and front axles when I change fluid. Thanks

Excellent video, thanks! So, I would use 75w140 in my 1994 10.25 rg rear and 75w90 in the Dana 50 front, with friction additive in the rear? Also, what sealant did you use on the fill plug?

I think this is about the most informative and well explained video I have seen on repair work. Thank you for posting it. I have a 2003 F150 and was told my pulsating brakes are from the same seal leaking. Is that a realistic reason brakes would pulsate? Clearly I need to change the seal out anyway.

great camera work. doing this 39 years just wanted to see if you knew your stuff. well done

new to Trucks, i own a 04 F150 4x4. how do I tell if I have a Limited Slip diff? or is it ok to add the XL-3 Additive to the rear Diff anyways while doing a fluid change? thanks.

The most informative RU-vid video I've ever seen. Great job! How did you push the axles in tho? And I have a good 2000 crown vic. What rear dif fluid do you recommend

Is it the same procedure to remove the axles if I have a factory rear locker?

where did you order the seal from also what is the correct name of the seal?

Thank you for this! What tool are you using to center the seal in this video and where can you get one? Thank you!

Just bought a 08 ford f150 from dealer,a week ago. There is drops coming from rear-end after I drive it and park it 45 mins or so. light drops. Wouldnt bought it if I knew this.

Apparently previous owner of my brothers 97 f150 XL 2 WD had rearend work done. While he was attempting to replace outer axle seals and bearings. Low and behold while trying to remove pinion pin the locking bolt it seems the end of the bolt is broke off in the pin. Because pin will not come out. And the end of the bolt seems jagged. Hmmm. Now hes stuck. How can we get it out? He tried a magnet.

hi! great job first of all. do you have a video for a ford escape 2005 changing rear seals? if not is it about the same procedure? thanks!

Thanks, this help much about on our 2000 Ford Transit 330. Never done this before and after watching this is was easy. Never done before, never...

Have a 2001 e250 with same set up..I want to install lokka locker...how many splines on this axel ??

always great to watch your videos i learn so much thank you

Hello, I have a question, Can the same procedure be applied to a 2009 Ford Crown Victoria?

Hi Brian, I was wondering if CV shaft at the driver side front that connects to the front diff. should have a little play on it? There is a leak between the diff and the small shaft that connects to the CV shaft. So I am assuming its a seal. But do not want to disassemble it and find out more problems. Thanks

I have an F-150 2015 I get a vibration in the front end only when it'temperatures between 50 and 70°, if it's warmer than 70 I don't get it I have all new rotors all new brakes check the hubs they're both fine check the iwe they're okay too could it be my transmission

Thanks you helped me out yet again. Keep the videos coming.

I have a 2004 F150 8.8 3.55 gear i want to put new traction lock clutches behind spider gear can i put a S spring it

Great tutorial as always!

I was just about to do the same job, Thanks to your video well explained, I don't think I going to have any problem. Thank you for it. And from now on I am one more Subscribed