What's involved
What this repair actually is.
On trucks, vans, and many rear-wheel-drive vehicles, a solid axle shaft runs from the differential out to each rear wheel. When its bearing surface wears or its seal leaks gear oil onto the brakes, the shaft is pulled and replaced along with the wheel bearing and seal. We drain the differential, extract the shaft, install the new shaft, bearing, and seal, and refill with fresh gear oil.
Symptoms
How you can tell.
- Growling or rumbling from one rear wheel
- Gear oil leaking onto the inside of a rear wheel or brakes
- Clunking from the rear axle
- Wobble or play in a rear wheel
- Oil spots under the rear axle ends
If you delay
A leaking axle seal soaks the rear brakes in gear oil and a worn bearing can seize, either of which can cause a loss of control.
Educational estimate. Real pricing depends on your vehicle, the inspection, parts availability, taxes, and shop rates. Use this as a guide while you shop quotes.
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