Hi folks, I had the right front cv axle assembly replaced on my 2007 Prius at 80,000 miles ($400). At about 90,000 miles, the mechanic found a transmission fluid leak via the axle seal on the same right front axle assembly. I had the axle seal replaced for an additional $300. I was not paying much attention at the time and didn't notice they were the same axle joint. When I later asked the mechanic about it, they denied that there would be any correlation and said that replacing the axle seal isn't part of replacing the axle assembly. I'm wondering whether that is true and whether I should trust this mechanic . . . or if it's time to bust their balls on Yelp and find a new mechanic. What do y'all think? Thanks!
Delicate situation here. The CV joints and the seal where the axle enters the transaxle are indeed two separate items. To say it is the mechanics responsibility is pushing the issue imo. It would have helped if the mechanic would have suggested replacing the seal while the axle was being worked on. However if one was to think that way, it could be said that he/she should also suggest or recommend to replace brake systems, wheel bearings etc. on that portion of the car. My suggestion would be to learn more about what parts are what and how everything works together. I am not siding with anyone in particular here. Yes, it would have been helpful if the seal was swapped when the cv joints were fixed. But unless it was leaking at the time the repairs were being made I would think the mechanic simply saved you money by not upselling other items.
I think it would have been reasonable for the mechanic to suggest that the axle seal should be replaced at the time the constant velocity axle assembly was replaced at 80K miles. The seal costs a small amount (probably single-digit) and there isn't much additional labor required once the axle is removed.
I have seen people damage them when changing the cv joint. Just like when CarMax fixed the rear axle seal on our truck they damaged the transmission seal when removing/ replacing the driveshaft. Either the person damaged it. Or it just wore out, or should have been replaced anyways when the cv shaft was done, I don't know.
