160,000 miles on it and I hope to keep it for a while. I am living on
disability. It is a big leak and needs to be fixed. My neighbor has a lift
but he has never done anything like this before. It is the front left side
axel that is leaking. I have changed wheel bearing hubs before. The concern
I have is do we need to take the steering knuckle off to install a new seal?
My Haynes book does not really mention the seal repair.

The part is only $14.00.


<Jerry.PeruMotors@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:5df2578a-4b62-4cc7-80dc-6284429cc58d@64g2000hsu.googlegroups.com...
On Oct 6, 5:24 pm, "Tim" <T...@askme.net> wrote:
> Filled it up and noise went away. Leak is from the left (short) side
> output
> axel. Got a better quote of $150 and another at $270.
>
> "Steve W." <csr...@yahoo.com> wrote in
> messagenews:1223306232_3472@isp.n...
> > Tim wrote:
> >> Didn't think I would be back so soon asking for advise after the Buick
> >> coolant leak but here I am.
>
> >> 98 GMC Jimmy 4WD. I took it in to a oil change place to have them check
> >> the oil level on the rear end. I had seen some oil back there and
> >> thought
> >> it might need a little. It was fine but they said the front axel was
> >> leaking on the drivers side. They filled it and after setting overnight
> >> I
> >> have oil on the drive. It has had a growling noise for a long time but
> >> I
> >> figured it was the normal. I have replace the wheel bearing hubs many
> >> times and they are fine.
>
> >> What should I look for and any help with how to replace these would
> >> greatly be appreciated. I called some repair shops to get a ball park
> >> idea of how much and got unseen price ranging from $250 to $1,000's
> >> (that's what he said).
>
> >> TIA
>
> > The leak is likely from the seal around the output shaft for the front
> > half-shaft, or from the housing itself. Seals in both places. The output
> > shaft seal isn't hard to replace, but if if the seal is bad then it is
> > very possible that the bushing inside the housing is bad as well. That
> > isn't as easy to change with the differential installed. It can be done
> > but it is easier with it out. That is what the different prices cover.
> > They probably also tossed in some extra for possible parts damage from
> > the
> > "growl" that could be bad carrier bearings or worse.
>
> > --
> > Steve W.
> > Near Cooperstown, New York
>
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Tim-assuming that the 98 Jimmy doesn't have 7,000 miles on it or is it
a 'trailored' show vehicle...(no disrespect intended) I would monitor
the usage/leakage. Many 'oil change places' make mocho money pointing
out things that.....well lets leave it at that. If the noise is gone-
I'd watch it, check it weekly(depending on mileage) and see. Allittle
80-90 every so often may be more cost effective than the repair.
Usage will dictate whether or not the repair needs doing at all. Get
your 15mm box wrench or socket ready to pull the check plug and let us
know! JP