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My wifes Kodiak is leaking at the rear diff. It is coming from the seal inside the diff where the axle comes out. I just changed and filled the diff fluid and did notice residue from the leak but did not see the leaking until it was filled. I think it will leak down to a level even with the seal and not empty the diff however it needs to be fixed. Anyone replace one of these seals? Is this a dealer job?

I have replaced the seal. An impact wrench makes removing the hub a snap. With one of the hubs off the axle will slide right out. (On my big bear, it came out on the side without the long tube over the axle, the kodiak should be the same). With the axle out, the seal is easily pried out with a screwdriver. While you are down that far, plan on changing the wheel bearings too. On a scale of 1-10 (10- being difficult) this is about a 3.

If you choose to not try this job yourself, the dealer will likely charge you $50 labor or more. Before I had to change my bearing and when my seals were leaking, I used some Lucas hub-oil stop leak on my front diff and it worked wonders. I got the stuff at a truck stop for $6 and my seals never leaked again. This is a thought if you don't want to change the seal.

Uh oh, is the '05 Kodiak IRS? If it is, ignore my last post about removing the axle. IRS, the half-shafts pop out once the outboard part of the axle is free to move (remove shock). Seal should then pry out with a srew driver. I have done this on FWD cars and it's not bad.

The seal is about 4.00 and they quoted me 75 labor to do the job. I checked out a fiche and think I'll do it myself and save the cash. Looks easy enough. I think I'll pass on the lucas because it's a pretty bad leak and I can buy the part for less.

I like saving $$$ too. Good luck changing the seal-like I said, it's not that bad. If you ever have a minor leak, think about the lucas-it worked for me.

I have done it on my wife's 05 450. It is a very easy job. The only problem I had was getting something to drive the seal back in. I ended up getting a plastic grate that goes into the end of black plastic landscape drain hose. It was a good fit and allowed me to put the seal in without any damage. Some people have had problems with the diff spitting oil out the vent tube after filling. I filled mine to the top and then let it sit with the plug out for a while so all extra oil had time to drain out. I had no problems. Ken

Traildad, Thanks, I"ll look for something to drive the seal in with. I too have found that you have to let the diff drain out level before putting in the plug. I'm thinking of drilling a hole in the skidplate so I don't have to remove it for future maintenance.