Leaks, leaks and more leaks. Axle seals.

[CaddyStrophic]

I was changing the Oil and the tranny fluid/filter this weekend and noticed that there was a lot of fluid at the front driver axle seal.

My buddy crawled underneath and said "Bad news, your back seals are shot and your driveshaft seal is bad, too."

Soo, I'm not a mechanic, but have always done the work on my vehicles to save money.

I went to auto zone and they can order me the front seals for around $15 each. But, they didn't have any of the rear seals in the computer. Are the front and rear seals the same part (which I find not likely, but unsure.)

Also, they didn't have anything under "driveshaft seal". Is this the actual name or is it called something else?

I'm just trying to buy all of the parts and fluids that I am going to need, for what seems to be a busy weekend for me and the H3. I really appreciate any info and help. I lurk on these forums quite a bit and have learned a lot so far.[emoji2]

 

[4speedfunk]

Front axle seals are a troublesome spot on the H3 and leaking is very common. Pinion seals are another source of drips. There are five CV-joints on the H3 (four at the front wheels, and one on the front driveshaft) and all of them are prone to tearing and flinging grease all over the place. The one on the rear end of the front driveshaft, is perhaps thats what your buddy saw? On the rear axle, you have all the same seals...although they seem less prone to leaking. Additionally you have small O-rings on the ABS wheel speed sensors, and these tend to ooze slightly over time.

No idea what a "back seal" or "driveshaft seal" is...but you can do a Google image search and find exploded diagrams of pretty much the entire vehicle.

 

[alrock]

Different part numbers for front and rear axle seals. Front and Rear

 

[CaddyStrophic]

I appreciate the replies, folks.