I was told by a Honda Dealer that the axle seals must be replaced in the front. I want to get a second opinion.
Recently i went for a safety inspection and was told by the Honda dealer that i need to get the front axle seals replaced. They said it would be around $800 in total. I just want to get a second opinion from another mechanic but dont know what to ask them to inspect without giving them a clue directly about the axle seal. Can i ask them to check my brakes? Would that also make them check the axle seals? Please recommend. Thank you!
My car has 79000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
The axle seals are pressed into the transaxle case and their purpose is simply to keep the transmission fluid from leaking out of the transmission (and keep dirt and water out of the transmission, too, of course). There is an axle seal on the left and a seal on the right, so two altogether. The seals themselves are very inexpensive, typically costing anywhere from $5 to $25, depending on whether you buy them on Ebay or the dealer (genuine OEM dealer parts are recommended). Although the sealing surface on the seal is made of rubber, it would be unusual for these seals to have failed, that is leaked, on a 4 year old car with only 79,000 miles. It would be even more unusual, indeed statistically improbable, for BOTH (left and right) seals to have failed at the same time. So, your case presents as a bit of a mystery. Failure of seals of this type will evidence themselves as an external leak of transmission fluid and there will be clear, visible, unmistakable evidence of the leak, if they are leaking. What you could have done at the Honda dealer, once they alleged a seal failure, was told the Mechanic, "show me", "show me the leak". If they won’t, or can’t, show you externally visible evidence of a leak then, quite simply, you don’t have a leak. Sometimes, by the way, to deal with an unexpected question like, "show me", they’ll tell you they can’t "due to insurance regulations" preventing you from entering the shop. "Insurance regulations", translated into English, means that there’s no leak on your car.
A leak of this type, if it exists, is important though and has to be fixed so this should be resolved. You could go back to the dealer and simply ask them to show you the leak evidence, on your car, so that you can gain an understanding of exactly what is going on. If they do not indulge you immediately and show and explain everything to your satisfaction, you got your answer right there: that is not a professional shop out to help YOU and indeed you may not even have a leak. The point is to resolve this, you need to see the leak before you make a decision. YourMechanic can look at the vehicle and see if there is evidence of a leak. And, if you do have a leak, regarding the cost to install new seals, you might want to get a second opinion as well, again something YourMechanic can assist you with. As noted at the outset, the cost of these seals is frankly trivial. It is really the labor cost to get to those seals which is material. As you may know, YourMechanic dispatches mobile mechanics, who have the same (or better) certifications that the Mechanics in the shops have but almost none of the overhead. Consequently, for a seal replacement of this type, if it turns out that you need it, the savings might be substantial. As you explore your options, if you have further concerns or questions, by all means please feel free to recontact us.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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If the leaking axle seal does not get fixed soon and the transmission is slipping, you could cause permanent damage to the transmission.
It is important to fix an axle shaft seal as soon as possible as the fluid can damage brake components. Fluid leaks can cause problems not just with the adjacent component – they can compound and affect other components in your car.
Because the CV axle shaft seals are what keep the fluid in the transmission and differential, fluid may begin to leak when they fail, which will put the transmission or differential in danger of overheating and becoming damaged.
Transmission starts slipping as you are driving on the highway. You might not see spots on your driveway, as the axle seal tends to leak more at high speeds. If the seal does not get fixed soon, you may cause permanent damage to the transmission.
What happens if your bent axle finally breaks? If you`re lucky, your car simply won`t move out of the driveway; if you`re unlucky, the wheel bearings will seize while you`re on the road, and the tire and entire wheel will fall off, leaving you with an out-of-control vehicle. Don`t take that risk!
The axle shaft seal is not a moving part, but it is always working. Its job is simply to stay in place and prevent fluid leaks. Barring contamination, it could conceivably last you the life of your vehicle. It requires no maintenance, and only needs to be replaced if it becomes damaged.
You might not see spots on your driveway, as the axle seal tends to leak more at high speeds. If the seal does not get fixed soon, you may cause permanent damage to the transmission.
The hydraulic pressure in automatic transmission vehicles is sustained through various transmission seals. However, your transmission seal may wear out or break if exposed to excessive heat often or if you`ve added too much transmission fluid to the system — which could cause a transmission leak.
Automatic transmissions efficiently sustain hydraulic pressure via several different transmission seals. But over time, these seals get worn out and crack. This often occurs when the seals are constantly exposed to heat or high temperatures. It could also occur when too much transmission fluid floats within the system.
When a CV joint axle fails completely, it will render the car immobile, since the transfer of power to the wheels can no longer be completed. So when you hear those warning noises, or are told that your CV axle boot is leaking, it is a good idea to get the axles replaced as soon as possible.
One of the most common and probably most noticeable signs of a problem with one of the vehicle`s axle shaft seals is a puddle of fluid underneath the car. When the axle shaft seal fails, oil or transmission fluid can leak from the transmission or differential.
Driving on a bad cv axle shaft can cause further damage to your vehicle and could even lead to an accident.
There are spring loaded rubber seals that are pressed into a recess on each side of the aluminum differential case and through which the axle shaft rides. These seals must be replaced whenever the axles are replaced, otherwise transmission fluid leaks are likely.
Use grease or gear oil, to lubricate the seal lip and/or the shaft to facilitate easy installation.
Yes. Before installation, the rubber seal lips and axle spindle shaft should be pre-coated with a layer of grease across the surface to ensure the seal lip does not run dry. Make sure the seal OD and hub bore are free from contamination and lubricants to ensure retention of seal in hub.
Since the axles going into the transmission, and the transmission itself, are made of metal, the axle seal houses a flexible seal that rides on the axle and keeps gear oil in, and crud out. The flexible seal uses a small amount of the gear oil in conjunction with the seal itself to achieve this task.
If there is a small leak, you may be able to drive for a short period of time. If the Axle Seal is leaking and you don`t get your Ford Edge fixed, you could cause permanent damage to the Transmission. The Axle Seal connects the Driveshaft or CV Axle to the Transmission or Rear Differential.
A severely worn out CV joint can even disintegrate while you`re driving and make the car undrivable. You may lose control of the vehicle entirely. It is not safe to drive with a damaged CV joint. Look for some symptoms of a failing CV joint to have it repaired before it becomes unsafe to operate the vehicle.
If a wheel seal is damaged or falls off, it will damage the wheel bearings as well rather quickly, so it`s vital to have this fixed as soon as possible. However this symptom may also indicate a torn CV boot which does a similar job as the wheel bearing seal.
A severely worn out CV joint can even disintegrate while you`re driving and make the car undrivable. You may lose control of the vehicle entirely. It is not safe to drive with a damaged CV joint. Look for some symptoms of a failing CV joint to have it repaired before it becomes unsafe to operate the vehicle.
If a wheel seal is damaged or falls off, it will damage the wheel bearings as well rather quickly, so it`s vital to have this fixed as soon as possible. However this symptom may also indicate a torn CV boot which does a similar job as the wheel bearing seal.
Typically, axle assemblies do not require replacement, as they are highly durable. However, replacing the Honda Accord front axle assembly usually costs $300 to $1000.
Typically, axle assemblies do not require replacement, as they are highly durable. However, replacing the Honda Accord front axle assembly usually costs $300 to $1000.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
I was told by a Honda Dealer that the axle seals must be replaced in the front. I want to get a second opinion.
ANSWER : The axle seals are pressed into the transaxle case and their purpose is simply to keep the transmission fluid from leaking out of the transmission (and keep dirt and water out of the transmission, too, of course). There is an axle seal on the left and a seal on the right, so two altogether. The seals themselves are very inexpensive, typically costing anywhere from $5 to $25, depending on whether you buy them on Ebay or the dealer (genuine OEM dealer parts are recommended). Although the sealing surface on the seal is made of rubber, it would be unusual for these seals to have failed, that is leaked, on a 4 year old car with only 79,000 miles. It would be even more unusual, indeed statistically improbable, for BOTH (left and right) seals to have failed at the same time. So, your case presents as a bit of a mystery. Failure of seals of this type will evidence themselves as an external leak of transmission fluid and there will be clear, visible, unmistakable evidence of the leak, if they are leaking. What you could have done at the Honda dealer, once they alleged a seal failure, was told the Mechanic, "show me", "show me the leak". If they won’t, or can’t, show you externally visible evidence of a leak then, quite simply, you don’t have a leak. Sometimes, by the way, to deal with an unexpected question like, "show me", they’ll tell you they can’t "due to insurance regulations" preventing you from entering the shop. "Insurance regulations", translated into English, means that there’s no leak on your car.
A leak of this type, if it exists, is important though and has to be fixed so this should be resolved. You could go back to the dealer and simply ask them to show you the leak evidence, on your car, so that you can gain an understanding of exactly what is going on. If they do not indulge you immediately and show and explain everything to your satisfaction, you got your answer right there: that is not a professional shop out to help YOU and indeed you may not even have a leak. The point is to resolve this, you need to see the leak before you make a decision. YourMechanic can look at the vehicle and see if there is evidence of a leak. And, if you do have a leak, regarding the cost to install new seals, you might want to get a second opinion as well, again something YourMechanic can assist you with. As noted at the outset, the cost of these seals is frankly trivial. It is really the labor cost to get to those seals which is material. As you may know, YourMechanic dispatches mobile mechanics, who have the same (or better) certifications that the Mechanics in the shops have but almost none of the overhead. Consequently, for a seal replacement of this type, if it turns out that you need it, the savings might be substantial. As you explore your options, if you have further concerns or questions, by all means please feel free to recontact us.
aloha! i was told it would cost me $1870 to get a rear axle replacement. i have a 2006 toyota sequoia with mileage of 80,000. it
ANSWER : Aloha. Ah – the infamous "it’s all gone" excuse. To be quite blunt, you’re being ripped off. If a professional mechanic can’t explain what exactly is damaged with any mechanical component, they are taking advantage of you. I would get your car back and contact a different mechanic. Or, feel free to send us some information about the symptoms your car is experiencing that led you to take the car to the mechanic in the first place. Maybe we can help diagnose your issue and allow you to bring that info to a different mechanic. Mahalo.
Rear Axle Seal Replacement – What type seal?
ANSWER : Hi there, thanks for writing in. I recommend buy the Toyota OEM part. Although we could go into high detail as to the precise technical differences amongst the various and competing aftermarket seals you are describing, such will not change the conclusion at all. Generally speaking, aftermarket parts are NOT as good as the factory OEM parts. Large car manufacturers spend hundreds of millions of dollars, indeed billions, developing the technologies used in these vehicles and ALL of the parts are extraordinarily carefully engineered to fit very precisely and perform specific functions. In the aftermarket, they try to duplicate that, but more often than not, it does not work. Toyota OEM quality in particular is not duplicated well, if not at all, in the aftermarket.
my question is that i want to get a nissan sliva s14 which is the 240sx i guess but when i get it i want to convert it into a gtr
ANSWER : Hello. I have seen several s14/240sx’s with the RB26 motor installed in them. I do not believe that it is a direct swap however. There is most likely some fabrication involved. If you search around on the internet i’m sure there are "kits" available that may include motor mounts and other parts that will help in the swap. The bodies of the two cars are quite different so i do not believe it is possible to swap bumpers between the cars. Also, AWD is not possible to to space constraints due to the differences in the bodies and frames of the cars. I’m not saying that I’m an expert with these cars but from what I’ve seen over the years this is what I know. I will say that given enough time, skill and money anything is possible. Have you considered swapping in a LS1 corvette motor? That is another popular swap that is pretty straight forward.
What is driver side front versus passenger side front? Isn’t an axle replacement the whole axle connecting the two front wheels?
ANSWER : Hi there. Wheel location is determined by imagining you are sitting in the driver seat. Your, and most vehicles today, have 2 axles in the front; certain vehicle still have a solid rear axle housing, but retain 2 individual axles as well. It sounds like you may have bent the strut, lower control arm, ball joint, and/or hub when you hit the curb. I suggest having a qualified technician perform an inspection to avoid replacing unnecessary parts. Your Mechanic has several available technicians that can assist you with a suspension inspection.
I was told by my mechanic I needed to replace the front left wheel bearing over a month ago, how long can I wait to replace it?
ANSWER : Hey there, thanks for writing in about your 2006 Audi A4 Quattro. As the bearing gets noisy, you will notice the noise get louder and you may get to a point of the wheel seizing or wobbling on the highway. Of course, this can lead to very dangerous driving situations, so you will want to have the wheel bearing replacement done sooner than later.
Had the steering rack replaced and now the steering angle sensor is acting up after a front end alignment.
ANSWER : Hi there. If the codes are coming on for the steering angle due to either the sensor failing or the plug not plugged in all the way. Check the harness on the steering sensor and see if its plugged in. If the harness is plugged in and has not moisture on it, then the sensor has probably failed. You can have the vehicle realigned, but if the sensor has failed, it will not correct its self. I recommend replacing the steering angle sensor. If you need further assistance with the steering angle sensor, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
Leaking front driver side axle at transfer case
ANSWER : Hi there Dave. Unfortunately, without seeing pictures of the component you are talking about, we are unable to tell you for certain what part is leaking. In most cases, the first component to break is the CV boot; which will split usually in between the coils on the boot. When this occurs, it splatters grease under the front end while the CV axle spins. The other two components you are talking about are actual differential seals on the differential itself. You might want to read this article on how long a differential output seal last, as it will describe it’s location.
