Front axle seals?

[Mustang1989]

I was looking around under my truck today when I noticed this on both sides. What are the seals for, and how long can I continue to drive before I get them replaced? It's going to be at least a week before I can get it to the shop.

[Tony V]

Mines the same way like this. I dont know if its bad or not, but i've drove on mine for months. So hopefully someone comes along.

[Scooter9495]

Those are your axle tube seals, they keep water and debris from entering the tube. when they go bad junk can get in to the tube and eat up the seals that are in your differential.

[2000 7.3 6speed]

every superduty i have looked at was the same way. all i was told was don't drive through any ponds

[Scooter9495]

Yep ive replaced quite a few, the biggest thing is it starts to rust and flake the inside of the tubes. If you offroad alot is when mud and dirt get in the tubes and eat the diff seals. Seen several trucks that are onroad only go more than 10,000 miles with them torn and no problems. I can say by looking at those pics that those have been bad for awhile already.Like ^^^^^ he said just stay out of lakes and rivers till fixed.

[Tree Killer]

Originally Posted by 2000 7.3 6speed

every superduty i have looked at was the same way. all i was told was don't drive through any ponds

Is that Sig Pic Legal? LOL I know it ain't in the buckeye.

[elm302]

for some reason mine actually leaked for about a week i kept it filed and always check all fluids but then it stopped and hasnt leaked for about 8 months now and ive put over 25000 miles like this dont now if its good or not but im still goin

[Scooter9495]

Originally Posted by elm302

for some reason mine actually leaked for about a week i kept it filed and always check all fluids but then it stopped and hasnt leaked for about 8 months now and ive put over 25000 miles like this dont now if its good or not but im still goin

These seals are dust seals only, if you have fluid coming out the axle tubes then thats your internal diff seals.

You have to remove the entire hub and axle to replace the dust seals so you have to do knuckle seals/hub o-rings also at the same time.

I purchase my axle tube seals at advanced auto parts
National seal #710413 $11.99

[Mustang1989]

About how much would a shop charge me to replace them? Am I safe to wait till just before winter?

I had my front U-joints replaced exactly a year ago. Are those seals something they would have had to replace to do the job?

[TANK'S 250]

Mine has been like that for years,...I call them "my hoolahoops"...

Don't even worry about it,....I've been through all sorts of terrain,....no issues.