Rear axle seal leak 2001 ford escape xlt . how do i reoair this myself? the leak is at the center section.

First check if the vent cap is plugged, to do that find the T shaped object on the housing spin the top of the tee if it does not move freely then pull it off and clean it. If it's leaking out of the front seal it's the drive line seal is leaking and will have to remove the drive line put Emergency brake on and block wheels and loosen 24MM nut to get to the seal you have to pop the seal off with a screw driver and you have to replace the crush bearing when you do this. However recommend you leave that to a professional or purchase a www.alldatadiy.com susbscription for your car so you know how to set up the bearings if it is needed, you will also have to have a tork wrench to tork the nut down. You will a new Nut for the pintal shaft that comes out of the front of the axle as well the nut is nut reusable once you remove it. Another note you have to have air impact to get the nut off or a torch t heat it just enoungh to get it off but warning fuel tank is right there so if your all thumbs don't mess with it. If it's not leaking from the front seal and is leaking from the back side of the differential then you must drain the oil and replace the gasket on the rear plate, this job is not to difficult but you mus be sue you put silicone on the cover and gasket and put silicone on the bolts as you put them in because if not you will get bolt leakage, these also require a tork wrench. the front seal nut and crush bearing will cost $45.00 the rear will cost $15.00 for the silicone and gasket. And warning if the differtal is leaking from the seal it is quite possible that the bearings will need to be replaced or set up again and this takes experince or it could cost you $750.00 to rebuild the differital. hope this helps.