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Axle Shaft Seal Replacement Cost Estimate

Worried you might overpay for your Axle Shaft Seal replacement? Use Jerry’s GarageGuard to get fair cost estimate for your Axle Shaft Seal replacement.
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John Davis
Expert Automotive Writer
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Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content
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Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor

How much does it cost to replace an axle shaft seal?

The average repair cost for an axle shaft seal replacement is $250-$305, with $40-$55 for parts and $210-$265 for mechanic labor. Prices will vary depending on your vehicle and labor costs in your area.
How long does it take to replace an axle shaft seal? It typically takes 1 hour for a certified mechanic to swap out axle shaft seals. This includes the time it takes to do an inspection and make a diagnosis.
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How did we estimate these prices?

Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.
Get a free fair cost estimate for my car

What parts do I need for my axle shaft seal replacement and how much do those parts cost?

Replacing an axle shaft seal takes a lot of specialized mechanical equipment. If you’re thinking of doing the replacement yourself, keep in mind that buying these tools will drive up your average cost. Here are the main parts your mechanic will use:
  1. The new seal for the axle shaft: If you’re replacing a rear axle seal, go ahead and swap out both seals since you’ll have to access the differential housing. Besides, if one axle is leaking, the other axle might begin leaking, too. Expect to pay anywhere from $8 to $60 for each replacement seal. 
Keep in mind: Your mechanic also uses tools like a torque wrench, breaker bar, ball joint separator, and spindle nut socket to do the replacement. 
We recommend purchasing parts at local auto parts stores like AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and NAPA Auto Parts, as well as online retailers like Amazon and RockAuto. We also recommend reputable brands such as Timken, National, and SKF for axle shaft seals, ensuring proper sealing and preventing leaks in your vehicle's axle assembly. However, like price, recommended brands may also vary depending on your vehicle’s specific year, make, and model.
Ultimately, it’s a personal choice. Aftermarket seals will save you money and they might be easier to find. However, you might want to splurge on the OEM seals to ensure lasting quality and a good fit.
Check your local auto body shop or an auto part store like AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts or NAPA Auto Parts. If you don’t have local options, shop online—you can usually find parts on Amazon and RockAuto.
Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my Axle shaft seal replaced?

Car problems are stressful enough without having to find a trustworthy repair shop. Here’s how
GarageGuard™
 can help. Download the free car maintenance app to compare fair price estimates from over 2,500 vetted repair shops in the US.
GarageGuard™
 helps you determine the total cost by using real hourly labor rates. They’ll also include reviews, so you can find a mechanic that works for you and your budget.
Take a look at some of our vetted shops below and download the app to compare car repair quotes near you.
118 Reviews
Laurel Heights Automotive
address
9109 E Gregory Blvd #6407, Raytown, MO
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$50
Compare this shop for free with Jerry(816) 353-9518
142 Reviews
Havoline Xpress Lube - #1324
address
11988 W. Jewell Avenue, Lakewood, CO
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$137
Compare this shop for free with Jerry(303) 985-1227
179 Reviews
Dunn Tire - Main St. #7
address
4401 Transit Rd, Williamsville, NY
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$109.99
Compare this shop for free with Jerry(716) 631-3776
165 Reviews
Buckley's Auto Care
address
1604 E Newport Pike, Newark, DE
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$169
Compare this shop for free with Jerry(302) 999-8285
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How did we vet these shops?

Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic replace my axle shaft seal?

The mechanic starts by investigating both the seal and the damage. They’ll use a floor jack to raise your vehicle and remove the wheels in order to do this. Then, they’ll follow these steps:
  1. Remove the front and rear brake calipers and brackets
  2. Remove the front axle 
  3. Replace the faulty seal with a new one
  4. Add a new differential gasket
  5. Refill the axles with differential fluid
  6. Reinstall the tires
  7. Remove the vehicle from the jack stand
  8. Pump the brakes
  9. Conduct a road test to confirm proper operation
Keep in mind: If the axle shaft seal has damaged other systems in your vehicle, the process will become a little messier. The mechanic may ask you to leave your car at the shop while they order new parts or investigate what needs repair and replacement.

Is it bad to drive with a bad axle seal?

It’s certainly not good to drive with a leaking axle seal. The leak will only get worse, which can cause more damage to your car and result in higher auto repair bills.
A leaking axle shaft seal can lead to the following issues:
  • Transmission problems or failure
  • Fluid contaminates the brake shoes and disrupts braking
  • The axle might pop out
  • Problems with the driveshaft

What is an axle shaft seal?

A seal is a soft rubber or plastic part that slides over the smooth section of the axle shaft. It forms a barrier that stops grit from getting into the axle, while keeping the transmission fluid or axle fluid where it belongs.
If the seal leaks, the fluid leaks out of the axle and your transmission will struggle.

Should I replace my axle shaft seal? 

You probably don’t think about the axle shaft until you suspect something is wrong. Here are signs that the axle shaft seal needs to be replaced: 
  • Differential fluid or transmission fluid leaks
     below your vehicle near the front wheels: You might notice these under your car after it’s been parked. If you spot fluid leaks, get your car inspected as soon as possible.
  • The transmission slips when you drive on the highway: Axle seals leak more when you’re driving fast. If too much fluid has leaked, your transmission will start to slip when you’re driving at high speed.
  • Your car makes noises when you make a turn. Listen for knocking or clicking, which are signs that the seal is worn out.
  • You notice excessive vibration: If the seal wears out, the axle shaft can loosen and vibrate.
Keep in mind: Axle shaft seals can be tricky to diagnose unless you know what you’re looking for. Take your vehicle in for an inspection at the first sign of a problem. 

How often should an axle shaft seal be replaced?

Ideally, axle shaft seals should last the life of the vehicle—they only need to be replaced if they leak (typically because they were improperly installed). 

Is an axle shaft seal hard to replace?

Replacing axle seals requires advanced automotive knowledge because you’ve got to remove the CV axle and some of the wheel hub assembly. You’ll also have to drain transmission fluid or differential oil before you remove the axle. Plus, you’ll need specialized tools to carry out the replacement. It’s a good idea to leave this one to the professionals.

FAQs

Axle shaft seals don’t usually leak, although the seals can wear out over time. Improper installation is probably the most common reason that the seals fail.
It depends on how much transmission fluid your vehicle has lost. If it’s lost a lot, get the seal replaced as soon as possible. If it hasn’t leaked much, you can drive your car for a few days as long as you top up the transmission fluid.

Meet Our Experts

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John Davis
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Car Expert
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Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience
John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.
Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.
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Jessica Barrett
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Car Expert
Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.
Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.
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Kathleen Flear
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Car Expert
Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through  best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.
*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.