Front axle leak cost?

[GrocreyGetter]

I noticed I have a front axle leak on this new to me 2020 ST. I fairly mechanically inclined have tools and could buy if need be. I see there is a TSB on the matter as well. I would like to have the updated version. Is this something I could do myself in a day or should I pay the dealership to do it? My dealership charges 135hr so it isn't that awful in labor cost.

What are part numbers if I attempt it myself?
Any special tools?
Time?
Should I let the dealer do it?
Is the updated version female to male? According to the YouTube video I watched that's what it looked to be.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[Cdubya]

The OE front axles are about $150 each if I recall. They are a slightly different design so hopefully the boot won't fail prematurely like they did on the original MY2020-2021 axles. Drivers side takes 30 minutes. Passenger side, about an hour because you will spill front differential oil and it will need to be topped off--would be a good opportunity for a complete oil exchange if you haven't done that yet. You need to get the same part but updated part#--UNLESS you've had the FADA replaced before to an intermediate shaft--then the driver's side axle is completely different.

 

[GrocreyGetter]

I’m looking to replace the seal that looks like an oil leak but it’s the o ring inside the axle shaft. Apparently they updated it.

 

[Cdubya]

Geez. That is a big job. Unless you are highly skilled, you will want the dealer to do this and it won't be cheap. Definitely do not just get the O-ring replaced. Get the FADA TSB done which replaced the FADA with an intermediate shaft. And to be clear, it's not a front axle leak. It's an oil leak where the FADA inserts into the front differential.

Oh, and I should mention that this is a low pressure leak. I have managed to seal this up externally with a combo of sealant and sealer spray. YMMV but others have tried this and have been successful. 40k miles later and still leak free.

 

[GrocreyGetter]

What sealant and sealer spray did you use?

 

[Cdubya]

What sealant and sealer spray did you use?

https://www.explorerst.org/threads/leaking-oil.5533/post-90896

If i were you, put your car on jackstands. drain the front diff (after verifying you can loosen the fill plug). This will minimize oil leaking out of the crack you want to sealbup. clean mating surfaces liberally with brake fluid. Use red sealant to surfaces you can apply with your finger. After appropriate dry time, spray multiple coats of spray sealant (using straw) to get surfaces you will not be able to reach, allowing proper dry time in between. When done, fill front diff.