Relentless

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.

Mcmopar

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

Scubasteve

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

thumper 549

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

Duff

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

Relentless

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.

Rhino

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.

Duff

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.