Can anybody share their advice on this repair?

I got a 2012 JKU with 14K miles on it. Not sure if warranty will cover it with all my mods. I'll look in to that.

Looks like the passengers front axle is leaking differential fluid thru the axle seal. Is this a simple repair? What's the cost DIY vs. paying a certified mechanic? Are there any special tools or things to know before starting this?

I've very done this repair, but I probably got the tools, conference and mechanically incline.

 

In order to change that seal, the differential has to come out.

What do you have for mods? Anything that required axle shaft removal?

If warranty doesn't cover it, I would...
Check the fluid level, and top it up if needed.
Wash the oil residue off with axle with some brake cleaner.
Wash the residue off the tire with soap and water.

See how long it takes to come back.

I did this several years ago, when I saw oil on the C like you are seeing, and the leak never came back.

 

It's really not that bad of a fix to DIY.

Do yourself a favor and change both seals while you're in there. The inner seals are cheap (I'm doing our XJ's D30 next weekend and I paid about $10 for both inner seals from Quadratec).

There's a number of "how to" articles on the internet if you do a quick search.

Take your time and mark the carrier bolts with a grease pen or something...

 

Only mod, 4-6 inch skyjacker suspension lift, 2" body lift, 37" tires, new track bar. No mods to differential or axle.

The leak went from 1" drip to a gush all over the tire and ground in one day.

I'll clean it up as you said, top it off, and wait and watch.

Looks like it was full blown out.

 

I should've able to get those seals from an automotive store, right? I got a trip planned for this week end. Time crunch under pressure to get it fixed.

 

I did a quick search of Autozone's website and didn't see anything for your jeep.

Quadratec has them for $6.99 each:
OMIX-ADA 16534.13 - Front Axle Shaft Seal for 07-13 Jeep® Wrangler JK with Dana 30 - Quadratec

 

Here's a DIY link I found in the write up section of this forum....

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/jk-w...acement-41177/

 

I don't know if you have after market diff covers, but if you do most people over fill them. The old "fill til it oozes out" mentality only works with stock covers. Most after market covers have higher fill holes so people are over filling them and blowing axel seals.

 

Mine leaked for awhile them stopped. Just make sure the diff oil is full.

 

I've been driving around with mine leaking for over a year. I check the fluid every couple of weeks, sometimes it needs a few pumps of fluid and sometimes nothing.