Axle Shaft Oil Seal - Leaking

[larryinnewyork]

The other day I did a 'rear' brake inspection.
I thank those who gave me advise on adjusting brake shoes.
Glad I did because I found:
1) A broken spring (pulls both shoes together)
2) Noticed the 'lever' on self-adjuster was not touching Star Wheel

This is a fairly easy vehicle to work on.
2002 Ford Ranger / 127,000 miles
DRUMS on rear axle

What I also noticed is, it appears the axle 'oil seal' is leaking.
This seal keeps oil away from drum/shoes.
I don't mind doing any PM on vehicle, but as I get older, I see my limitations in doing major repairs.
I watched on You-Tube someone replacing the oil seals.
It appears to be a fairly easy mechanical job.
I would like to attempt this myself.

Questions:
1) Is it highly recommended to change both sides ? ? ?
2) Should I also change the Bearings ? ? ?

I have no problem doing both sides with 'new' bearings.
Unfortunatly I have to work alone and don't want to bite off more than I can chew.

I figure I will put new brake hardware kit (springs) in.

Any words of wisdom you could share would be appreciated.
Thank you.

 

[ShotGun429]

Go for it. Easy job on the Ranger, Just changed axle seals Both sides) only the right side was leaking, on my 2002 Ranger 4x4 last week. I did not change axle bearings, im at 170,000 miles at this time.

 

[George7941]

I will tell you what I did when I had a similar oil leak on my truck three years ago. The driver side rear axle shaft oil seal leaked and saturated the shoes. I replaced the oil seal on that side only and did not change the bearing. Only other item I replaced was the diffy oil since I had to drain it to release the axle shaft inner end.

Of course, the shoes on the driver side were replaced.

 

[Yah-Tah-Hey]

I'm not familiar with the rear axle arrangement on this truck, but if it is the same as many of the older rear wheel drive vehicles, the axle and bearing can be removed after removing the bolts that hold the retainer to the diff housing. If the axle is held in place in the differential with c-clips, you will have to remove the differential cover plate to remove the clip. I'd pull both axles and have a auto repair install new axle bearings. The seals are an easy fix if you do your own light repair.

 

[bdcardinal]

Originally Posted By: HosteenJorje
I'm not familiar with the rear axle arrangement on this truck, but if it is the same as many of the older rear wheel drive vehicles, the axle and bearing can be removed after removing the bolts that hold the retainer to the diff housing. If the axle is held in place in the differential with c-clips, you will have to remove the differential cover plate to remove the clip. I'd pull both axles and have a auto repair install new axle bearings. The seals are an easy fix if you do your own light repair.


On this axle, the bearing is pressed/hammered into the diff housing itself. OP, this is a straightforward job, you need a slide hammer to get the bearing out of the housing. It is an easy job. Personally I would do seals and bearings on both sides since you are already in there.

 

[Dyusik]

Do both. The 8.8 is a c-clip design, so dumping of the oil is involved.

 

[Trav]

Made sure the vent isn’t plugged first, its common enough on some Rangers in the rust belt and will cause an axle shaft leak.
If its clear swap the examine the bearings and change both side seals. If the bearings haven’t been starved of lube they should be okay.

 

[MNgopher]

Since you will have to dump the differential oil to pull the C clip, may as well replace axle seals on both sides. Check the bearings and axles out, if they are OK, don't bother changing.

Simple repair. If you do the bearings you will need a slide hammer and bearing puller. Most parts stores will do loaners on those if needed.

 

[punisher]

Echo above. Pull your axles and examine the wear surface for pits/fretting. Chances are very good axle and bearing are fine.

Stuff to watch. Sometimes (rarely) the crosspin retainer bolt breaks. Keep a small diameter magnetic pickup tool handy to get the unthreaded piece out. Oh, the groove on the axle were the C clip goes makes a fine seal puller. Pull the axle out and line the groove up with the seal lip and bend sideways. The groove will grab the seal and ease it out.