Okay so I've had a minor axle seal leak on one side and yesterday I noticed the other side has started to do the same. I cleaned off both sides really really well so I can see just how bad it actually is over the next week or so. I went to a few auto parts stores today and nobody had the seals except one place and they wanted $30 a piece. Should I just get the $120 rear end rebuild kit online and try to do it myself since ill be stripping it down that far or should it be something that needs to be left to a "professional"?

I've changed the fluid and understand how the rear end comes and goes apart but if I install new bearings too are there special adjustments that need to be made so the gears line up properly and won't whine?

 

You should be able to get a pair of seals for under $30. Depending on the miles, I wouldn't go though the trouble of changing the bearings.

 

Thats what i told the guy at the store. I found them for around $15 per seal online. Im sure rock auto has them even cheaper. It's about 150 miles short of 140k miles. You think the bearings are still in good shape?

Edit: rock auto has the OEM part for less than $5 and others for even less.

 

Right, RA has the Motorcraft Seals for $4.32 apiece.

 

Yea, you need bearings for sure.

 

With 150,000 miles and slightly leaking seal I would. If it hasn't been leaking very long or very much and you knew that for a fact, just do the seals.

 

I think I'll just get the rebuild kit. I dont think new bearings could hurt anything. Might as well do it all at once as long as I can get a free weekend to knock it out.