Front axle leaks

[chevymank15]

I have a 98 K1500 Z71 Ext Cab and the front axle has started leaking at the half shafts on driver and pass sides. Also my passenger cv boot cut so I'm replacing that. Right now I'm planning on replacing pass half shaft, axle seals, and axle bearings. I haven't bought anything yet let me know if you think something else is needed or isn't needed.

I've never tore down the front axle yet so any insight on typical problems I'll encounter would be good, or any tricks on getting this job done relatively easy.

Thanks for any comments or suggestions

Red

[tblake]

front axel bearing? You mean the front hub bearings?. Unless they are making noise/grinding or the ABS light is on, I'd leave them alone.

On to getting the axels out. On an older 92 k1500 I was able to unbolt them from the front differential and turn the wheels all the way one direction, and slip them out. I am not sure if the newer k1500's are like that, but I'd be willing to bet they are. If I remember right, chilton's told me to pop the upper ball joint.... yeah right. One thing I would recommend though, unless you have air tools, is you loosen the axel nut on each side before you jack the front end up. That way you wont have to fight with holding the hub and loosening the nut.

Front axel seals on the k1500 I have never done. Wish I would have because then I would know how to replace them as my passenger side one is leaking. If you have a chance, report back and let me know any tips or tricks to replace these.

Good luck!

[chevymank15]

Thanks for your comment back and there is an axle bearing, from what I'm told and what I ordered there is a needle bearing for the axles I'm hopin the bearing went bad and thats what caused the seals to leak. I'm tryin to cover all my bases since I'll have it apart only thing I'm not replacing is the pinion bearing. Only thing that sucked was the seals and bearings are special order so I didn't get to do it this weekend.