2002 Ford Explorer Front Seal Leaks

2002 FORD EXPLORER
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JZFOUR
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I just had some work done on 2002 Ford Explorer. It needed a bearing (that was a part of some kit?) in the back. They said it got wet and was rotted. Either way, I just brought my car in for an oil change and they said I needed a front pinion seal and left front axle seal. What exactly is this and is this the same thing that I just got repaired in back? Have many Explorers had these problems? It seems like I keep fixing things that have to do with it's ride. Is this a reapir I should concern myself with or wait?
Thanks for the feedback!
Aug 6, 2006 at 2:22 AM
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TAURUSWHEEL
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 718 POSTS
Where do you take your car for repair?? Seals that leak are not good in the long haul, unfortunately a lot of them tend to wear out in groups, they're usually not lifetime parts.. Some can be expensive to replace, labor charge, because of the work needed to access them.. if they're just seeping a little, sometimes you can let them go for a long time if you keep an eye on it.. something like a axle seal, you wouldn't want dirt or whatever getting into it, could lead to bigger and more expensive failure,, but we all don't want to just throw money at will into every little problem,,, how about a second opinion???
Aug 6, 2006 at 3:21 AM
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Suggested Repair

Get a second opinion on the front pinion seal and left front axle seal. Replace actively leaking seals before fluid loss or dirt causes a larger failure; if they are only seeping slightly, monitor the leak and fluid level closely.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 2002 Ford Explorer recently had a wet, rotted rear bearing replaced and was then told the front pinion seal and left front axle seal needed replacement. The owner asked whether these were the same as the rear repair, whether Explorers commonly have these issues, and whether the work could wait. The expert explained that seals are not lifetime parts and often wear out in groups, that replacement labor can be costly, and that slight seepage may be monitored, but an axle seal leak should not be ignored because contamination can lead to a more expensive failure. A second opinion was recommended.

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