The right front axle seal on my 97 Ram 1500 4x4 is leaking. How big a job is it to replace? Any special tools required to pull out the axle? I don't mind bringing it to a shop if its more than I can handle, but if its a simple procedure, I'd rather do it myself. Any experiences?

 

its doable, but it can be a bitch if the bearing won't come out.
is it just me, or is this about 10 times harder than it should be - because you have to take about half the truck apart. i don't understand why the seal is not on the outside of the axle tube where it would be a simple job, like on the rear.
http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech/axleseal.php

edit - oh yeah, the driver side is at the pumpkin. passenger side is on the outside edge of the CAD, and it requires either a special tool or some threaded rod rigging to pull the seal in. while you're inside the CAD, check the bushing on the inside edge - its prone to wear out.

 

If you end up doing it yourself, please post the results. I know I've seen similar posts on the forum here, but am curious to see how you turn out, as I have the exact same issue I'm debating on...haha. I hate to allow others to wrench on my RAM, but this one might be a good candidate for a pro shop and not therookie garage.

 

I've done it many times , you need the tool to do it right, no homemade stuff, unless you have a machine shop, or you will be taking it apart again. And a detailed diagram of the whole axle. As mentioned you need to check the intermediate shaft bushing and there is also a bushing in the end of the outer shaft that should be replaced. And home made tool or not the intermediate shaft needs to come out to replace the seal to give room for the tool. The tubes need to be cleaned so when you reinstall, no dirt gets in the housing or on the seal. IMO it is not worth doing it yourself unless you have the time , money and desire to learn how it is put together.

 

Good opinions guys, thanks. I called the local Dodge dealer and they said about $220 for the seal, labour, and oil. Independant garage said about $180. Think I'll take it to Dodge, and get them to check all bushings they come across, too. Thanks.

 

That seems awful cheap to me me.

 

Yeah, definitely worth it to bring it to them imo.

 

OK, good luck! Let us know how it goes, at first and after a couple months. I will be amazed if the dealer even gets it apart for $220.

 

$220, damn where are you at! All the shops around here wanted at least $800 to replace both seals. I ended up fabbing the tool I needed and had it apart and seated in about an hour, I've taken the front hub assembly apart a few times now and could probably do it blindfolded! The only problem is, I seated it crooked, damn gotta do it again, next brake job its coming out! Really, it's not that hard to do, I actually found the driver side a little more difficult because I gots big 'ol hands and couldn't get them, the socket, and the dead blow in the pumpkin all at the same time!

 

mine is leaking also, I am just going to add some lucas oil additive to help swell the rubber seal.
not worth spending $760 (I got a quote from the local dodge garage).