I went to the mechanics so they could put new brakes on and when they were all done they told me i had a small leak coming from the end of my rear axle. They said it was from my axle seal and it eventually needed to be fixed. They said it was differential fluid. Is this right? Is it an expensive fix?

 

yup parts are cheap but labor will cost you. You will have to pull carrier and axle shafts. I just had my fronts both replaced under warranty at 34000 miles.

 

Maybe $200-300 to repair one side. You could save a few bucks by pulling and reinstalling the axle shaft yourself, take it to a shop with parts you buy and have them press off and on the new hardware. I expect if you search you can find a video or step-by-step with info on exactly what's entailed to pull a rear axle shaft. I had mine in and out a couple years back without too much hassle, but was rebuilding the e-brake and didn't need any press-fitted parts.

 

I know I had to open the diff to replace the front seals, but I don't think that's necessary for the rear. The seal is outside of the bearing so that bearing can get oil from the differential. It comes out with the axle shaft. Yes?

 

That makes it a bit easier.

 

Well, the old parts have to be cut off without damaging the shaft. And the new parts press fitted on. So "easier" perhaps because most folks let a machine shop tend to those tasks.

 

You are correct Mark.

Just did the driver rear again. First time was at 85,000Km second time 180,000km

My sense is 150 for labour and 50 for parts per side which is what I was quoted from a 4Wheel shop.

To the OP.....kind of a more common problem on the front, but the rears do leak as well.....

Until it's fix keep an eye on the fluid for sure

Good luck

 

unless to you have a bent axle flange which could be the root of the problem.

 

One thing is a little oil always looks like a lot. Mine started leaking on the front the day I left to do the Rubicon trail. I was worried as 2000 mile round trip on highway at 75-80mph but I checked and even tho made a hell of a mess not enough to have to add a drop. If you looked at the mess you would have swore it was a quart lol.

 

How many miles on your JK? I just noticed my left rear starting to leak this weekend and after looking at the instructions I decided to call the dealer for a price. I was surprised when he told me it's covered under the power train warranty ( I have 75k miles ). It's going in Monday.