Best Source for Front Axle

palouse · **Joined:** Wed Dec 04, 2013 8:51 pm **Posts:** 18

2006 Liberty CRD, 165K miles.

Lost my front axle for the second time, bearings shot. First replacement was "rebuilt" axle, chosen to save a few bucks, installed by very reputable independent repair shop. Did full axle because shop said end of axle ruined beyond use, and it looked so. Replacement died at 92 days on the 90 day warranty. I am currently running in 2x4 mode. I just unbolted the front axle.

Search is not allowed to me currently. I am looking for recommendations on sources for complete, decent quality axle at best price. I want to simply bolt an entire new axle into place.

I am also missing part number, if you have it. I am told that several front axles are available, and only one is appropriate for CRD vs 3.7l.

Thank you for your help!

flash7210 · **Posted:** Fri Sep 27, 2019 8:21 pm

I have no idea where you can find a new one.
If you don’t trust anyone to rebuild one for you, maybe you can pull a low mileage used unit from a junk yard. Lots of wrecked Liberties out there. Most of them probably never had their 4wd engaged.

So what’s happening to your front axle?
What part is broken?

I’ve got over 230k miles on mine.
Only things I’ve ever done to the front axle is change the oil and replace one seal.
Mostly highway driven but I do take it on some 4wd adventures.

palouse · **Joined:** Wed Dec 04, 2013 8:51 pm **Posts:** 18

flash7210 wrote:

I have no idea where you can find a new one.
If you don’t trust anyone to rebuild one for you, maybe you can pull a low mileage used unit from a junk yard. Lots of wrecked Liberties out there. Most of them probably never had their 4wd engaged.

So what’s happening to your front axle?
What part is broken?

I’ve got over 230k miles on mine.
Only things I’ve ever done to the front axle is change the oil and replace one seal.
Mostly highway driven but I do take it on some 4wd adventures.

I am currently searching for the correct part number, and/or assurance that "any ol' axle from a '05/'06 will work". I very well may end up at a yard, searching. However, there appear to be many vendors selling Liberty axles. Which is best (or better) is part of the search, too.

The bearings died. First set tore up the axle below the spline, making it impossible to seal. The second, it just started a bearing death rattle. I could try the bearing and boot replacement, but seeing how easy out it was, I would prefer a ready to install unit. I believe that I had become lazy when engaging 4x4, not slowing down or stopping before doing so. Going too fast before engaging. What is too fast? 60 MPH in light snow/slush on a major highway is too fast.

I do much driving in the snow, as the central Washington duck camp is many miles away over the mountains, and then there are goose field hunts to scout for, late Nov thru Jan. Blizzacks are my friends.

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Fri Sep 27, 2019 9:27 pm

This is the part number, do your own research!
AXLE. Service Front.
This Fits Your 2005 Jeep Liberty LIMITED EDITION 2.8L Turbo 4 Cyl Diesel A/T 4X4
Part Number: 05135252AA
Supersession(s): 5135252AA
[Axle Ratio - 3.55] With Tag 52114037AA, [Axle Ratio - 3.55] With Tag 52114355AA
[Axle Ratio - 3.55] With Tag 52114037AA.
[Axle Ratio - 3.55] With Tag 52114355AA.
Axle Ratio - 3.55.
https://www.factorychryslerparts.com/pr ... 252AA.html

Diesel Dan · **Posted:** Fri Sep 27, 2019 11:45 pm

It doesn't matter if you use 4wd or not. The front diff is always spinning so if you have a fluid leak it will still tear it up, if the boots are torn the CVs will still fail.

palouse · **Joined:** Wed Dec 04, 2013 8:51 pm **Posts:** 18

My apologies, I screwed da' pooch. I was upset about wasting my time with Google which returned "front axle" results on my "front driveshaft" query. Then, while tired and in a hurry, I typed "Front Axle" in the post, instead of "Front Driveshaft". I'm not running around with axles disconnected, but front driveshaft works well when not present. I will take it from here. :oops:

BTW, research is not starting here, but it is fine tuned with this type of post. The confirmation, perspectives and alternatives provided are very valuable, more so than part numbers. I would never take an internet expert's pronouncement as fact without backup. Or without also checking LostJeeps.

Thanks to all!

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Mon Sep 30, 2019 2:49 pm

palouse wrote:

My apologies, I screwed da' pooch. I was upset about wasting my time with Google which returned "front axle" results on my "front driveshaft" query. Then, while tired and in a hurry, I typed "Front Axle" in the post, instead of "Front Driveshaft". I'm not running around with axles disconnected, but front driveshaft works well when not present. I will take it from here. :oops:

BTW, research is not starting here, but it is fine tuned with this type of post. The confirmation, perspectives and alternatives provided are very valuable, more so than part numbers. I would never take an internet expert's pronouncement as fact without backup. Or without also checking LostJeeps.
Thanks to all!

Do you need the WHOLE driveshaft or just needs some new CV joints for each end to rebuild yours?
CV joint failure on the transfer case end of these driveshafts are very common.
Like you stated, you can remove the whole front driveshaft assembly and drive it while you source the parts to rebuild. Just won't have 4x4.

Detroit Axle is a good place to buy replacement CV joint kits. Comes with everything including special grease to replace a worn CV joint.
They also have complete drive shafts, just be sure and measure yours if you are purchasing a complete unit. The CRD uses a different length shaft than gassers.
https://www.detroitaxle.com/
Transfer Case End PN: CVK0011 (also listed on Amazon)
Front Axle End PN: CVK0012
Note: I am running their front driveshaft CV joints currently and have been running them since 2013.

Several others also list them including Rock Auto, but be careful of some as they are Chinese and the quality is sub par.

Best Source for Front Axle

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