Rear Axle Seals

[n8bachelor]

I just got back from getting my oil changed on my 04 v6 and while the mechanic was under the car he called my attention to an obvious leak from around the rear differential. He indicated that it was coming from the left axle seal and told me I should have it replaced as soon as possible.

I have a couple of questions on this matter.
What would have caused the seal to fail? My car has 73k on the clock and as far as I know the pumpkin has never been opened up or any repairs made to the rear end. I do not race the car but do occasionally push that 3.0L to the redline. Burnouts are not something I get into with my v6.

I got one quote from the local FLM dealer at $402 for the 4 hour job. He indicated that he would have to remove the axles, drop the pumpkin, then replace the seals and put it all back together. Does this sound like a reasonable cost for the work involved?

This does not seem like a dealer-specific item. Can the service be done at an independant shop and not the dealer?

On a side note the same dealer wanted $235 for a transmission flush, pretty steep. The FLM dealer I had been going to for warranty service went out of business... they only charged me $120 for the last tranny flush & filter.


Anyone with experience in this area of the car is welcome to chime in.

 

[2000LSMichael]

My tranny flush a few weeks ago was $130.

 

[n8bachelor]

Well I found a better quote on the axle seal... $180 plus tax. I took it in this morning and just got that dreaded call from the mechanic. Looks like the rear pinion seal is leaking as well. Now the quote is up around $500 for the whole job. Aparently there is more parts in the way of the pinion seal

There goes that $600 I just got from Uncle Sam. I was relly hoping that would go towards some new brake pads and SS lines. Guess the new lines will have to wait.
Guess I can write this up as my first official repair due to failure. (the first one I have had to pay for at least)

 

[mallse]

i had the rear axel seals and the diff gasket switched about 2000k ago, ford quoted me 435 for the job parts and labour, the axel must be dropped to swap the seals... i guess its about as reasonable as factory repairs get

got the whole deal done for about 300 at my shop