Are inner axle seals really this expensive?

[adventureboss]

The inner axle seals of my DANA 30 are seeping slightly, no dripping, but it's definitely not sealing anymore. I went to a mechanic and got a quote of about $450 for each side for just labor. I've got almost 200k on the clock, so if I'm going as far as to replace the inner axle seals it also would make sense to replace the wheel axle U joints, ball joints, and wheel bearings. Basically, that puts me at $1200 just for labor and parts are a few hundred in addition.

I want to do this myself to save on the labor costs but I also don't think it's practical for me because I'm a full time student in college, am running a business on the side, and don't really have the time to do something labor intensive. I'm hoping I can hold off until we get a break, but that won't be for a while. Does that quote sound about right though? Are they really just that expensive to do? I'm also considering just hopping on over into Mexico and having it done there to save on labor as I'm in AZ and it won't be much of a drive. Anyone tried that before?

 

[DuckNut]

Most labor rates are $100+ these days so yes, sounds about right.

I'll bet you could find a student mechanic to do the job. Mexico is also a good option.

 

[mrblaine]

The inner axle seals of my DANA 30 are seeping slightly, no dripping, but it's definitely not sealing anymore. I went to a mechanic and got a quote of about $450 for each side for just labor. I've got almost 200k on the clock, so if I'm going as far as to replace the inner axle seals it also would make sense to replace the wheel axle U joints, ball joints, and wheel bearings. Basically, that puts me at $1200 just for labor and parts are a few hundred in addition.

I want to do this myself to save on the labor costs but I also don't think it's practical for me because I'm a full time student in college, am running a business on the side, and don't really have the time to do something labor intensive. I'm hoping I can hold off until we get a break, but that won't be for a while. Does that quote sound about right though? Are they really just that expensive to do? I'm also considering just hopping on over into Mexico and having it done there to save on labor as I'm in AZ and it won't be much of a drive. Anyone tried that before?

The each side part makes no sense because the carrier is out, just do both and be done with it. The only additional labor to do both is installing the seal and pulling the axle shaft the rest of the way out of the housing. That's it.

 

[macleanflood]

You could find a used Dana 30 axle... assuming you haven't changed the ratio or carrier to a locker...often as not they're sold at almost throw away prices.

-Mac

 

[Zorba]

The seals are dirt cheap, I forget what I paid for mine, but it wasn't much. I also bought the special tool for them as well. I'll see how easy/hard it is when I install my locker, which is now looking like the 1st part of March.

 

[LONGJP2]

The inner axle seals of my DANA 30 are seeping slightly, no dripping, but it's definitely not sealing anymore. I went to a mechanic and got a quote of about $450 for each side for just labor. I've got almost 200k on the clock, so if I'm going as far as to replace the inner axle seals it also would make sense to replace the wheel axle U joints, ball joints, and wheel bearings. Basically, that puts me at $1200 just for labor and parts are a few hundred in addition.

I want to do this myself to save on the labor costs but I also don't think it's practical for me because I'm a full time student in college, am running a business on the side, and don't really have the time to do something labor intensive. I'm hoping I can hold off until we get a break, but that won't be for a while. Does that quote sound about right though? Are they really just that expensive to do? I'm also considering just hopping on over into Mexico and having it done there to save on labor as I'm in AZ and it won't be much of a drive. Anyone tried that before?

Do the easy stuff yourself before you take it in for seals.
Hub assemblies and/or axle u-joints can be done one side at a time.
With the money you save, you could upgrade the axle shafts.

 

[Pigpen1776]

The inner axle seals of my DANA 30 are seeping slightly, no dripping, but it's definitely not sealing anymore. I went to a mechanic and got a quote of about $450 for each side for just labor. I've got almost 200k on the clock, so if I'm going as far as to replace the inner axle seals it also would make sense to replace the wheel axle U joints, ball joints, and wheel bearings. Basically, that puts me at $1200 just for labor and parts are a few hundred in addition.

I want to do this myself to save on the labor costs but I also don't think it's practical for me because I'm a full time student in college, am running a business on the side, and don't really have the time to do something labor intensive. I'm hoping I can hold off until we get a break, but that won't be for a while. Does that quote sound about right though? Are they really just that expensive to do? I'm also considering just hopping on over into Mexico and having it done there to save on labor as I'm in AZ and it won't be much of a drive. Anyone tried that before?

I just got done doing the same on my rear diff and it does not take a long time as long as you have parts in hand and a place to do it!It is not hard but you do pay for peoples know how as learning takes time and I am a former mechanic but it does seem much .Too bad your not in East Texas or I would do it half price for ya