About to do some front end maintenance. New rotors, pads, calipers, hubs, and ball joints. I assume I should replace the axle seals as well, correct? Thanks for any insight.

 

I would not have said this until about the last month - but perhaps do the axle seals if you're doing ball joints.

Here's why: I just replaced (at a shop) 4 ball joints on mine, and a month and 500 miles later, the LF axle seal is leaking badly (all over the wheel, tire, wheel well.. I would 100% bet it's due to all the hammering / banging around to get the ball joints replaced.

 

That's what I'm thinking.

 

It's more just that the axles get removed during the process, which affects the seals. Sometimes they're fine, just depends on the age and condition of the seals. I didn't replace them on my 2004 when I did the ball joints and they never started leaking after, but they were only 85,000 miles old at the time. I will say, it's way easier to do with the steering knuckle removed, so if you're gonna do them, now's a good time. BUT, get the best seals you can buy so you don't have to do them again. Cheap seals will leak.

 

Just ordered Genuine LR seals today. Thanks.