Axle seals leaking, MM in shop now, opinions please

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wesman

wesman

Miata Terrorizer
After a 3 day on track event I took off my right rear wheel and it was covered in oil inside the rim. I have taken it to a local shop and they say the axle seal is gone. They also say I should replace the bearings while its apart. Also they say the ebrake shoes are covered in oil so I should replace those too or else they could seize up ?!?!?! Anybody smell bulls**t? Car is up on the hoist now, looking at a sizeable bill.
Wesman.
 
If the brake lining material is soaked with gear oil, I'd replace 'em. I'm not sure if I believe the "locking up" story though. It's in the air, it's apart, might as well do it.
 
My .02

See how much the full axle replacement kit is. You might be able to get ahold of Fast Ed at Fines Ford to find out. The kit includes both axle shafts, seals and bearings PLUS 3 bottles of fluid AND a tube of silicone for the cover. The only part that you need to buy seperately is the bottle of friction modifier.

The part # for the kit is 3W1Z-4A109-AA.

Keep us posted.
 
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wesman said:
After a 3 day on track event I took off my right rear wheel and it was covered in oil inside the rim. I have taken it to a local shop and they say the axle seal is gone. They also say I should replace the bearings while its apart. Also they say the ebrake shoes are covered in oil so I should replace those too or else they could seize up ?!?!?! Anybody smell bulls**t? Car is up on the hoist now, looking at a sizeable bill.
Wesman.
Click to expand...


Is it still under warranty? If so have them button it up and return to the dealer.
 
Article No. 05-5-5 : Rear axle shaft and or axle bearing premature wear - vehicles produced before 1/1/2003. Service kit 3W1Z-4A109-AA.

If this fits you Ford will replace no charge.

Had mine done at 35,000. They were in bad shape. Car was smoother & quieter after.
 
Ok thanks guys. I will tell them just to put it back together and take it to the dealer. I don't know if they will go for it, given the amount of race parts on my car, but its worth a try.
 
Repeat after me; I drove my grandmother to church last Sunday morning. Afterwards I was cleaning the wheels and found this mess, what is it?
 
Huh? 36 months is Feb 03 to Feb 06. Unless you are over 36000 miles. Me, I have really crappy car karma. I bought the super duper ESP plan.
 
How do you check the build date? Both my axles were recently replaced (I had oil all over my rims) under ESP.
 
Dude, what's up with this? Looking for warranty/TSB coverage on a race car?
Bullsh*t. You race the car, you fix it.
 
You are right, plus my dealer knows I am nuts. It hard to pretend you drive your grandma to church with a racing jack & slicks in the back seat. So far the bill is

seals for both sides, bearings for both sides, and ebrake shoes one side + synthetic fluid. But its not at a dealer, its at a local Firestone repair shop. First time dealing with them, just hope they are being straight with me.
 
wesman said:
You are right, plus my dealer knows I am nuts. It hard to pretend you drive your grandma to church with a racing jack & slicks in the back seat. So far the bill is

seals for both sides, bearings for both sides, and ebrake shoes one side + synthetic fluid. But its not at a dealer, its at a local Firestone repair shop. First time dealing with them, just hope they are being straight with me.
Click to expand...

They are correct about the brake shoes.....if they got soaked with leaking gear oil, throw them in the trash.
I've heard of peopls 'hosing down' the shoes with BrakeClean fluid, but I wouldn't risk it...especially if you are going to race it!
 
You know the bearings being replaced use the axle hub for the inner race. Make sure the axles are not damaged or you may experience a repeat failure.
 
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