How Big A Job is the Rear Axle Seals?

graycenphil · **Posted:** Fri Aug 28, 2015 8:35 am

Looks like both mine are leaking. (2006, 80K miles). I found a few threads discussing it, and looked at a couple Youtube videos. I think I can handle the C clips in the differential (This diff does have C clips, right?). I'm more concerned about the wheel end of the axle.

Can I just unbolt the caliper and hang it out of the way? I'll probably do the rear brakes while I'm at it. Does anything else have to come off, or will the axle slide right out? What about the parking brake?

Anything else I should be aware of?

Thanks.

flash7210 · **Posted:** Fri Aug 28, 2015 10:19 am

I have never done axle seals on a KJ but I'm sure its just like any other rear axle.
You may want to ask this question over in the General Discussion section because this is not a CRD specific problem.

My question is why did your seals go bad at only 80,000 miles?
I know that seals eventually go bad due to age but it still seems kinda premature.
I have seen rear axle seals start leaking because the rear disc brakes got too hot.
(this was on a chevy 3500 that regularly towed a 9,000 lb trailer with no trailer brakes :oops:

)
You might want to consider replacing the axle bearings too.

Mountainman · **Posted:** Fri Aug 28, 2015 10:44 am

yup, just hang or tie the caliper out of the way. Piece of cake with the right tools

graycenphil · **Posted:** Fri Aug 28, 2015 3:06 pm

Thanks. I don't think it's overheated brakes. I'm pretty light on them - original pads in the rear. And the wheel spins freely.

You're right, I should have posted over there. I don't know how to move it, and I hate to post it twice. If a moderator wants to move it, that would be great.

I did have one other thought, since both seals are leaking. Could it be a clogged differential vent? But I can't find a vent. Dose this vehicle have one? Where is it?

jeepdan · **Posted:** Sat Aug 29, 2015 1:19 am

I had to replace the axle seals on both of my CRD libertys.
The driver's side axle seal failed on both Libertys from rust.

WolverineFW · **Posted:** Sat Aug 29, 2015 5:13 pm

I would think you would want the parking brake parts on hand since I believe there have been lots of reports on here of them corroding away and falling apart. I believe you have to pulls the axles to replace all the parts properly so you might want to be prepared.

graycenphil · **Posted:** Sat Aug 29, 2015 9:57 pm

I think I will replace the rotors and pads while I'm in there - I'm sure they're due.

Thanks.

How Big A Job is the Rear Axle Seals?

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