After thinking it over, I finally decided that I am not going to replace the pinion seal myself; I figured that I would have a shop do it. From reading previous posts I didn't think it was too big a deal with the right tools.

I called a shop that "specializes" (he claims and advertises on Craigs List). He told me that replacing the seal would be $200 because it requires: a) removing the cover; b) removing differential; c) removing ring and pinion; d) cleaning everything; and e) putting everything back together. I thought he might be misunderstanding me and was talking about the front diff, but he wasn't. He assured me it was required for the rear too. He also told me that on top of the $200 labor, I would need to buy a new yoke because 99% of the time, it's a bad yoke that causes the seal to leak.

I asked if I could just have him replace the seal, as described in the Hayes manual. He said that doing just the seal from the yoke end of the rear end would cause the rear end to fail because it would mess this and that up (I forget the terms he used).

Is he correct? Or...for the most part am I "OK" with just having it done from the yoke end like in the Hayes manual?

Previously, I called the dealer and they said they would do it for one hour of labor ($70). They didn't mention the need to do all that he was saying.

Please help! Is this guy trying to bait me into a much larger repair? At this rate, I'm thinking of just paying the $70 at the dealer.


thanks,
pf

 

wow, thats a scam
first off, never let a guy who advertises on Craigslist work on your truck

 

I'm really confused...

Dealer quotes you $70, + the cost of a new pinion seal, but Craigslist Man says $200 and you're wondering if he's right?

Where's the debate? Go to the dealer and get it done right. $70 is about the cheapest repair I've ever heard of paying for, and they have to back their work.

Hell, when do you ever get lucky enough to have the dealership be the cheapest?

 

Sorry, but Aim is right.

 

I'm glad he's right...it's cheaper!

 

Makes me wonder what in the heck this guy is possibly talking about though...

 

Nothing to wonder about. He's trying to drain your wallet.

 

Simple as that..I agree Miami.

 

That guy on craigslist is a con artist preying on those who don't know what is involved in making repairs to their vehicles. Is this guy in PA? Let me know cause I know an organization or two whom I am sure would like to speak to him. I have great disgust for people who try to pull that nonsense.

 

Craigslist is full of scammers. Stay away from there. If you want to get a fun read check out http://www.howtobeatcraigslist.uni.cc and you'll really learn a lot about Craigslist. I read through that stuff and was amazed.