Front Axle Seal Replacement Cost

[super50]

Noticed oil dripping behind right front passenger wheel. Took it to local garage for inspection and they say the front axle is leaking grease and the seals need to be replaced. He could not get the part, so I will be taking it to local dealer. Just wondering if anyone had this problem, and how much this may cost...

It has 104000 miles on it, and drives fine.

[gordonw]

When was the last time you had the front wheel bearings re packed? Your maintenance schedule probably recommends they should be done every 30,000 miles. Generally, we do it with the front brake job. As part of the repacking, we'll replace the front oil seals. The seals and gaskets aren't that expensive. Its mostly labor.

[Jim_Chow]

Is it the inner bearing seal leaking grease, or is the CV boot (the black rubber accordian boot visible when you look at the inner wheel) leaking? If it's the former, that's about a 2 hr labor job (basically repacking the inner bearing). If it's the CV boot, it's more time, as you have to remove all the stuff that you would to repack the front wheel bearing, plus more stuff (you really have to remove the CV joint axle piece that has the rubber boot on either end).

[Trying to Learn]

Is it the inner bearing seal leaking grease, or is the CV boot (the black rubber accordian boot visible when you look at the inner wheel) leaking? If it's the former, that's about a 2 hr labor job (basically repacking the inner bearing). If it's the CV boot, it's more time, as you have to remove all the stuff that you would to repack the front wheel bearing, plus more stuff (you really have to remove the CV joint axle piece that has the rubber boot on either end).

Hi Jim,

My wife's 2002 LX470 has 100K on it. Noticed the outer end of the inner boot is leaking. These seems to be grease sprayed on the wheelwell too. Question is you have to take off the axle to replace the rubber boot so should you replace the axle assembly at the same time? Second question is new vs rebuilt axle assembly. Price difference is around $150 (less than $100 for rebuilt and around $250 for new)?? Have you heard anything about rebuilt axle assemblies? Do you also repack the inner and outer wheel bearings at this time too? Thanks Jim.