Leaking axle

[Caparco]

Apparently my axle shaft seal is leaking, I researched that it's not a gasket easy fix but it's some sort of seal, my question is has anybody done this job and knows what it entitles, is this a job that can be easily handled by a sidewalk mechanic like myself with limited tools, or is this something best for a professional with these specialized tools.

[Rich G.]

It's a fairly simple job to replace the axle seal. It's easy with the right tools , just a little harder without them. You might need a slide hammer to get the axle out once you take the bolts off. If you're lucky a good yank on it and it will pull out. I've always pulled the axle out almost to the end of the seal in the housing and pushed down on the axle to pop the seal out. Get a socket or something the size of the seal to tap it back in straight. Put some grease around the spring on the seal so it doesn't fall off when you tap it in.

[Caparco]

👍 great info!! thanks so much!!

[toadstool]

I just did this on an 8 3/4" about two weeks ago. I didn't have any of those tools. I used a slide hammer with a bolt and a fender washer to get the seal out. I suspect there are many other ways to also get it out. I would measure the depth of the seal prior to taking it out so that you can match the new one to the same depth.

[7212Mopar]

Good idea to measure the depth first. You can make your own sliding hammer with a threaded rods, washers, nuts and some wood blocking. A few taps and it should just come out. When putting the new one in, find a PVC pipe of roughly the same diameter and gently and evenly tap the new seal in place. Don't forget to put grease on the seal spring first so it won't pop off the seal when you are installing it. If you have the stock taper bearing, good time to clean and regrease. You will need to set the axle end play with the adjuster at the passenger side. Should be  a job under two hours. Just don't park your car against the wall or you will not be able to take the axle out.

[MoparLeo]

Just follow the Factory Service Manual. It gives you very detailed info. about seal replacements.
The outer seal requires that you replace the bearing. You need a press to do this service.
The inner oil seal is what everybody here is talking about and can be done at home.
Remember to make sure the seal is installed in the proper direction. The lip of the seal is always installed facing the oil/grease you are trying to seal out. In this case the inner seal faces to ward the differential(inward).
The outer bearing should be inspected while the axle is removed, cleaned properly(service manual tells you how) and repacked with the proper grease before reinstalling.
Be careful not to damage the inner seal when reinserting the axle into the housing. Lubricate the seal and don't let the axle drag across the seal when putting it back in.

[Caparco]

Yes you're right, sorry I didn't specify,
My leak is coming from the center near the drive shaft , not the wheels

thanks for all your tips and advice guys I appreciate it

[Bullitt-]

  You have a leaking pinion seal it sounds like...I replaced mine after consulting a very experienced Mopar guy... I was told to mark the big nut's location before removing (used a monkey wrench to hold the flange/yoke steady), think I used a puller to get the flange/yoke off which allowed removal & installation of a new seal.

I was concerned about torque when replacing the big nut but my guy said as long as I only tightened it back to the mark things would be OK...   

[Rich G.]

Well that changes everything. LOL

[7212Mopar]

Probably try what Bullit did first and see if it works without having to deal with crush sleeve and piñon depth. May be call And talk to Dr Diff for some pointers when ordering the seal.

[FSHTAIL]

It might be overkill, but I use 2 axle seals on each side...     Double the protection and never a failure..