Truck is an '01 2500...bone stock. I bought it last June w/105,000 miles & now have 125,000. A couple of months ago I decided to change the rear end fluid "just because". I added the recommended amount which IIRC was 7 pts. I remember that the level was higher after I filled it. Long story short, my left rear axle seal is now leaking

I did a search here and found some info. I have a local dealer that will replace the seal for about $100....part I think is $11.00. For that price, should I just let the dealer do it?

Also, does anyone know what size the socket is that is needed to remove the axle nut? Is it a normal socket or special purpose just for that nut?

Thanks in advance for all comments...always enjoy this forum.

 

Are you trying to remove the pinion nut or the axle nut?

 

I got my socket from a NAPA store. they have been using that same socket for years.

It doesn't take long to change and its not a big deal. Be sure not to damage the retainer clip that grabs the nylon on that nut and you will be good to go. I use some loctite 515 or 518 on the rear axle to hub when reinstalling the axle shaft too .


Jason

 

It will cost you about 2 hrs work and it is a messy job..........would I do it? yea and probly replace the brakes there too cause they are probly soaked in oil

 

Just got home from doing my rear brakes and guess what I had to do while I was in there. Yep, left rear seal. Part was $9, job was very easy to do though messy. Still don't know what size socket for the bearing nut. It's bigger than 2 1/4" though because that was as big as i had available. Now don't wince, laugh or groan when I tell you how I got the nut off/on (just consider it some Yankee ingenuity). Found a six inch long piece of exhaust pipe that was about the right size and using a block of wood and a hammer I made a custom fit bearing nut removal tool. Worked great, was real careful and am back on the road. Good luck
Duff

 

Thanks for the comments. Doesn't sound too bad, except that I don't know what I will make my socket out of Maybe AutoZone has a loaner? Am hoping that the brake pads will not be too bad as this is a pretty recent development.

 

Napa has the socket. It is a 2 9/16 Dana Axle nut socket. Make sure you tell them it a Dana one you want because it has rounded edges. The tool is made by KD Tools and cost around $30. If you need the PN I can dig it up.

 

2 9/16" for a Dana, Thanks. I will have to get it because the job overall would have been pretty easy if I had the socket.The seals are pretty inexpensive, bought 2 in case I damaged the one I was putting in so I now have a spare.