2005 excursion 4x4 v10 front axle outboard axle shaft to axle housing seal has broken but not leaking oil. This was noticed after dealership serviced needle bearing.

Removing a rear axle on a Ford 1710 tractor can be a complex process that requires careful steps to ensure safety and proper reassembly. If the outer axle oil seal is leaking, it's important to address the issue. However, due to the intricacies of tractor repair, I strongly recommend consulting the tractor's official service manual or seeking assistance from a professional tractor mechanic who is familiar with your specific tractor model.
That being said, here's a general outline of the procedure to remove a rear axle:

1. Prepare the Tractor:
   • Park the tractor on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
   • Block the wheels to prevent the tractor from rolling.
2. Drain Fluid:
   • Drain the rear axle oil by removing the drain plug.
3. Remove Wheels:
   • Remove the rear wheels from the tractor.
4. Disconnect Components:
   • Disconnect any components that are connected to the axle, such as brakes and hydraulic lines.
5. Remove Axle Housing Cover:
   • Remove the axle housing cover by removing the bolts.
6. Access Axle Shafts:
   • Once the cover is removed, you'll have access to the axle shafts.
7. Remove Axle Shafts:
   • Depending on the design of your tractor, you may need to remove various components to access and remove the axle shafts.
8. Replace Seal:
   • Once the axle shafts are removed, you can access the outer axle oil seal. Carefully remove the old seal and replace it with a new one.
9. Reassemble:
   • Reassemble all components in the reverse order of removal.
   • Make sure to properly torque all bolts and nuts according to the manufacturer's specifications.
   • Refill the axle with the appropriate oil.
10. Test:

• Test the tractor to ensure that the issue is resolved and that there are no leaks.

Remember that this is a general guideline, and the actual procedure can vary depending on the specific design and components of your Ford 1710 tractor. Incorrect disassembly or reassembly can result in damage or safety hazards. Therefore, if you're not experienced with tractor repair, it's highly recommended to seek professional assistance or consult the tractor's service manual for accurate instructions.

Take it in to a dealership and have them take a look a it and have them give you a estimate. then you can decide what to do next.

not enough detail for what end the leak is at. Front sounds strange for a pickup unless 4 wheel drive and then if the style is open shaft behind the brake rotor this would require dissemble of a few more things. If from the rear,which is the common repair, this is from a worn axle bearing on the axle shaft,which causes wear to the rear axle seal either located on the shaft before the bearing to the outside. Or the second option can be a axle seal located in the end of the axle housing. when you remove the axle shaft you would be looking at the end of the housing tube and see this seal. On older models ( My younger days ) they would also install one on the inner side of the housing next to the Gear Unit in the center of housing, ( also known as the PIG Unit ).need further info....

I quote from service manual

1 . Raise and support the truck. Remove the rear wheels, the brake drum or brake caliper and rotor. If this is a disc brake, support caliper with wire. Remove seal retainer nuts from axle
housing.

2 . Pull out the axle shaft from housing. Remove the snap ring and bearing race from the axle shaft. Cut the bearing retainer. Break the bearing cage using a hammer and chisel and remove cage and rollers.

3 . Remove the oil seal, the seal retainer and the parking brake assembly (rear). Using a hydraulic press and bearing splitter, press the inner race from axle shaft. Inspect axle shaft for seal wear. Ensure that the shaft is not bent.

the wheel bearing is the cause, it has a support bearing that hold the axle in place.

Block the front tires. Break the rear lugs loose. Jack up the rear of the truck at the center if possible. remove the wheels & brake drums. Remove the brake shoes,return springs & all the other hardware. Remove the differential cover & drain oil. If you have a posi the next step sucks. You need to remove the threaded pin from the housing & remove the axle retaining clips. All the while,being carefull of the spring in the posi unit. If no posi,then same procedure,minus the "pucker factor". After the axle is out,take a large flat blade screw driver or pry bar & pop the seal out. Keep in mind the axle bearing is probably gone too , so that's another procedure. Keep it apart,you'll be glad you did.

Section 05-02A: Axle, Integral Carrier — 8.8-Inch Ring Gear 1994 Town Car, Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis. Workshop Manual REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION Axle Shaft NOTE: Whenever replacing the rear axle lubricant, use Rear Axle Lubricant XY-90-QL (ESP-M2C154-A) or equivalent.
Removal
CAUTION: The rear brake anti-lock sensor must be removed before the axle shafts are removed. The rear brake anti-lock sensor is bolted on the rear disc brake caliper anchor plate.

1. Raise vehicle to desired working height. Refer to Section 00-02 . Remove rear wheel (1007) and tire assembly. Remove rear disc brake calipers (2552) and rear disc brake rotors (2C026) .
   
   
   
   
   

1. Clean all dirt from area of axle housing cover with a wire brush and/or cloth.

1. Drain rear axle lubricant by removing the axle housing cover .

1. Remove differential pinion shaft lock pin and differential pinion shaft .
   
   
   
   

1. Push flanged end of the axle shafts toward the center of the vehicle and remove the rear axle shaft retaining u-washer from the button end of the axle shaft .
   
   
   
   

1. Remove axle shaft from the rear axle housing , being careful not to damage the inner wheel bearing oil seal (1177) and rear brake anti-lock sensor ring.

Installation
NOTE: Check for presence of rear axle shaft o-ring (4A332) on the spline end of the shaft and install if not present.
CAUTION: Care must be taken not to let axle shaft splines damage oil seal or bearing assembly.

1. Carefully slide axle shaft into rear axle housing without damaging rear wheel bearing (1225) or rear brake anti-lock sensor indicator (2C189) . Start splines into side gear and push firmly until the button end of axle shaft can be seen in the differential case .

1. Install the rear axle shaft retaining u-washer on the button end of the axle shaft splines, then pull the shaft outboard until the shaft splines engage and the rear axle shaft retaining u-washer seats in the counterbore of the differential side gear .

1. Position the differential pinion shaft through the differential case and differential pinion gears , aligning the hole in the differential pinion shaft with the lock bolt hole. Apply Rear Axle Lubricant to differential pinion shaft lock pin . Install differential pinion shaft lock pin and tighten to 20-41 Nm (15-30 lb-ft). CAUTION: Differential pinion shaft lock pin must be tightened to specification using Stud and Bearing Mount E0AZ-19554-BA (WSK-M2G349-A1) or equivalent.
   
   
   
   
   NOTE: Axle housing cover must be installed within 15 minutes of application of the silicone rubber or new silicone rubber must be applied.
   CAUTION: Make sure machined surfaces on both axle housing cover and rear axle housing are clean before installing the new silicone sealant. Inside of axle must be covered when cleaning the machined surface to prevent axle contamination. Tighten the cover bolts in a crosswise pattern to ensure uniform draw on axle housing cover .
   

1. Apply Silicone Rubber D6AZ-19562-AA or BA (ESB-M4G92-A or ESE-M4G195-A) or equivalent. Install axle housing cover and tighten retaining bolts to 28-38 Nm (38-52 lb-ft).
   
   
   
   

1. Add Motorcraft Rear Axle Lubricant XY-90-QL or KL (ESP-M2C154-A) or equivalent until it is 6-14mm (1/4-9/16 inch) below bottom of fill hole. Add 118.3 mL (4 oz) of Ford Additive Friction Modifier C8AZ-19B546-A (EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent to Traction-Lok axles. Install fill plug and tighten to 20-41 Nm (15-30 lb-ft).

1. Install rear brake anti-lock sensor indicator . Tighten retaining bolt to 4.5-6.8 Nm (40-60 lb-in).

1. Install rear disc brake caliper and rear disc brake rotor .

1. Install wheels and tires.

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1. Insert Rear Bearing Remover T85L-1225-AH in bore and position it behind bearing so tangs on tool engage bearing outer race. Remove rear wheel bearing and inner wheel bearing oil seal as a unit, using Impact Slide Hammer T50T-100-A.
   
   Rear Disc Brake Caliper Anchor Plate
   
   
   
   
   

1. Lubricate the rear wheel bearing with Rear Axle Lubricant.
   
   
   
   

1. Install rear wheel bearing into the housing bore using Axle Tube Bearing Replacer T78P-1225-A.
   
   
   
   CAUTION: Installation of rear wheel bearing or inner wheel bearing oil seal assembly without proper tool may result in an early bearing or seal failure. If inner wheel bearing oil seal becomes cocked in bore during installation, remove it and install a new one.
   

1. Install the inner wheel bearing oil seal using Axle Tube Seal Replacer T78P-1177-A. Use Premium Long-Life Grease XG-1-C or K (ESA-M1C75-B) or equivalent between the lips of the inner wheel bearing oil seal .
   
   
   
   

1. Install axle shafts as outlined.

Dana or Ford axle?

Ford here:
SECTION 205-05: Rear Drive Halfshafts 2002 Explorer/Mountaineer Workshop Manual
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION Halfshaft
Special Tool(s) Protector, Differential Seal
205-506 Remover, Front Wheel Hub
205-D070 (D93P-1175-B) or equivalent Remover, Halfshaft
205-502
Removal and Installation
NOTE: This procedure applies to both rear halfshaft assemblies.

1. CAUTION: Do not loosen the rear axle wheel hub retainer until after the wheel and tire assembly are removed from the vehicle. Wheel bearing damage will occur if the wheel bearing is unloaded with the weight of the vehicle applied.
   With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, raise and support the vehicle. For additional information, refer to Section 100-02 .

1. Remove the rear wheel and tire assembly. For additional information, refer to Section 204-04 .

1. NOTE: Have an assistant press the brake pedal to keep the axle from rotating.
   Remove and discard the rear axle wheel hub retainer and the washer.

1. CAUTION: To prevent damage to the brake hose, do not allow the disc brake caliper to hang suspended from the hose.
   Remove the brake disc.
   1. Remove the two bolts and lift the disc brake caliper and brake pads off the brake disc.
      • Using mechanics wire, position the disc brake caliper out of the way.
   1. Remove the brake disc.

1. Remove the bolt retaining the parking brake cable bracket to the frame.

1. CAUTION: Cover the stabilizer link bolt threads and the nut to prevent boot damage when removing the halfshaft assembly from the vehicle.
   Using a rubber hose approximately 37.5 mm (1.5 in) long, cover the stabilizer link bolt threads and nut.

1. WARNING: The bolt that retains the upper ball joint to the knuckle is longer and it has fewer threads than the bolt that retains the toe link to the knuckle. Switching these bolts during installation will prevent the pinch arms on the knuckle from correctly retaining the toe link to the knuckle. This may cause the toe link to separate from the knuckle during vehicle operation. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
   Remove the pinch bolts and disconnect the toe link and upper ball joint from the knuckle.

1. CAUTION: Support the rear suspension upper arm to prevent boot damage when removing the halfshaft assembly from the vehicle.
   Using a wood stick, approximately 450 mm (18 in) long and 25 mm (1 in) wide, support the rear suspension upper arm.

1. CAUTION: Do not use a hammer to separate the outboard CV joint from the hub. Damage to the threads and internal CV joint components may result.
   CAUTION: Once the outboard CV joint separates from the hub the knuckle will continue to pivot until the brake backing plate presses against the suspension lower arm. To prevent damage to the brake backing plate, immediately after separating the outboard CV joint from the hub, rest the knuckle on a cushioned support that is tall enough to keep the backing plate from pressing against the suspension lower arm.
   Separate the outboard CV joint from the hub and rest the knuckle on a cushioned support.
   1. Using the special tool, press the outboard CV joint until it is loose in the hub.
   1. Remove the special tool.
   1. Separate the outboard CV joint from the hub.
   1. Rest the knuckle on a cushioned support.

1. CAUTION: Do not damage the axle shaft oil seal or the machined sealing surface on the inboard CV joint housing.
   CAUTION: Do not allow the splines on inboard CV joint housing to touch the axle shaft oil seal.
   NOTE: A circlip retains the inboard CV joint housing to the differential side gear in the axle.
   Using the special tool, disengage the inboard CV joint housing from the differential side gear.

1. CAUTION: To prevent damage to the axle shaft oil seal, install the special tool before removing the inboard CV joint housing from the axle.
   Install the special tool.

1. Remove the halfshaft assembly from the vehicle.

1. CAUTION: To prevent damage to the axle shaft oil seal, install the Differential Seal Protector before positioning the inboard CV joint housing in the axle.
   CAUTION: Always install the halfshaft with a new retainer circlip and a new rear axle wheel hub retainer.
   CAUTION: Never use power tools to tighten the rear axle wheel hub retainer.
   To install, reverse the removal procedure.

Axle Shaft Removal

1. Raise and support the vehicle. For additional information, refer to Section 100-02 .

1. Remove the wheel and tire assembly. For additional information, refer to Section 204-04 .

1. Remove the differential housing cover (4033).
   1. Loosen the bolts and drain the lubricant from the rear axle housing (4010).
   1. Remove the bolts.
   1. Remove the differential housing cover.

Remove the rear brake disc (2C026). For additional information, refer to Section 206-04 .

1. CAUTION: Turning the differential case (4204) or an axle shaft (4234) with the differential pinion shaft (4211) removed will cause the differential pinion gears (4215) to fall out of the assembly and damage the components.
   Remove the differential pinion shaft.
   1. Remove the differential pinion shaft lock bolt.
   1. Remove the differential pinion shaft.
2. CAUTION: Do not damage the rubber O-ring in the U-washer groove.
3. Remove the U-washer (4N237).
4. Push the axle shaft inboard.
5. Remove the U-washer.

Reinstall the differential pinion shaft.

1. Install the differential pinion shaft.
2. Install the differential pinion shaft lock bolt finger-tight.
3. CAUTION: Do not damage the wheel bearing oil seal (1177).
   Remove the axle shaft.

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Seal Removal

1. Remove the axle shaft (4334). For additional information, refer to Axle Shaft in this section.

1. CAUTION: Never remove the wheel bearing oil seal (1177) by itself. Always remove the rear wheel bearing (1225) and the inner wheel bearing oil seal at the same time.
   NOTE: If the wheel bearing oil seal is leaking, the axle housing vent may be plugged with foreign material.
   Using the special tools, remove the rear wheel bearing and wheel bearing oil seal together.

Installation

1. Lubricate the new rear wheel bearing.
   • For 4.0L SOHC and 4.0L EI with limited slip rear axles and 5.0L vehicles, use SAE 75W-140 High Performance Rear Axle Lubricant F1TZ-19580-B or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A.
   • For 4.0L SOHC and 4.0L EI with conventional rear axles, use SAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle Lubricant XY-80W90-QL or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSP-M2C197-A.

1. Using the special tools, install the rear wheel bearing.

1. Lubricate the lip of the new wheel bearing oil seal.
   • Use Premium Long-Life Grease XG-1-C or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESA-M1C75-B.

1. Using the special tools, install the wheel bearing oil seal.

1. Install the axle shaft. For additional information, refer to Axle Shaft in this section.

You don't have to remove the whole diff to change the seals, but you will have to seperate it where the shaft meets the carrier housing. There is a clip holding the passenger axle shaft in place that you have to remove to change the seal. The drivers side axle stub can be removed with a little force as there is a spring clip holding that side in.