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98 Ram 1500 Main Axle Seal?

Old Mar 21, 2018 | 01:34 PM
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Exclamation 98 Ram 1500 Main Axle Seal?

I just recently ran new rotors/pads and shoes/drums on my truck. Brakes worked fine with a bit of a squeak but after a few days the truck sprung a leak in the driveway coming from around the rotor. Not HUGE, but enough fluid to be a concern. So I took the truck to the shop and with it being on 35's I had to wait over-night to get the truck up in the air. Got a call today saying it's not a leak from the wheel bearing like they first thought, and that it's coming from a main axle seal. Therefore the shop considered it "transmission work" and out of their pay rate. My question is how serious should I take this? And would I be safe to drive about 20 miles to the dealership? I'd normally buck up and drive it but I've always been hesitant on taking risks with axle issues. Truck sits on a 6" lift and still is a long ways from done. Any help is appreciated, thank you!
 
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Old Mar 21, 2018 | 01:53 PM
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Depending on how bad it's leaking. You would be fine to fill up the diff and drive it where you need too.
As long as it's not coming out as quick as you put it in. And you don't hear any whining or odd noises from the rear while driving it. If it's a bearing seal on the axle tube you can replace that yourself. I'd assume since you can do your own brakes!
 
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Old Mar 21, 2018 | 03:03 PM
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Leaking from behind the rotor??? Front or rear axle?

If it's the front, clean it off, top it off, and watch it for a few days. Those leaks sometimes stop on their own. If it doesn't, front axles seals are fun......
 
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Old Mar 21, 2018 | 05:01 PM
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Originally Posted by HeyYou
Leaking from behind the rotor??? Front or rear axle?

If it's the front, clean it off, top it off, and watch it for a few days. Those leaks sometimes stop on their own. If it doesn't, front axles seals are fun......
Front Axle, passenger side. I'll top it off and hope for the best.
 
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Old Mar 21, 2018 | 06:21 PM
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Ah, at least its the easy side.
 
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Old Mar 22, 2018 | 12:40 AM
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Originally Posted by Michael92
Depending on how bad it's leaking. You would be fine to fill up the diff and drive it where you need too.
As long as it's not coming out as quick as you put it in. And you don't hear any whining or odd noises from the rear while driving it. If it's a bearing seal on the axle tube you can replace that yourself. I'd assume since you can do your own brakes!
Brakes and axle seals are not even in the same ballpark.....

If a shop can't do it, find a real shop. "Brake and Lube" shops don't know squat. A real mechanic will know how to dismantle the pumpkin and R n R the new seal. Not an easy or cheap venture for a $5 seal. Mine have been done twice thus far.
 
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