How Do I Change the Axle Seal on a 1998 Jeep Wrangler?

The seal within a Jeep Wrangler's axle assembly are essential to keeping the axle properly lubricated. You need to replace this seal if you see any differential lubricant leaking out at the backing plate. The axle assembly goes through the rear brake assembly, and you need to remove the axle shaft to reach the seal that surrounds the shaft within the housing. This is mainly a concern on models that use a bearing retainer on the axle assembly.

Instructions

1

Raise the Jeep's rear end and support it on jack stands. Remove the wheel for the corresponding axle and then slide off the brake drum.

2

Remove the nuts connecting the bearing retainer to the axle flange; insert an extension socket on your wrench to reach the nuts through the flange, and in between the flange and brake shoe assembly.

3

Connect a slide hammer with an axle flange adapter to the center of the axle flange and pull the axle shaft out of the housing through the center of the drum brake assembly.

4

Switch the axle flange adapter with an inner puller jaw attachment on the slide hammer. Insert the hammer and jaw back into the axle housing and pull out the inner seal.

5

Wipe clean the bearing bore on the axle with a rag. Pack the bearing with wheel bearing grease and apply a thin coat of the same grease to the bearing's outer surface.

6

Install the new seal into the axle housing with a seal driver and coat the seal's lips with the grease.

7

Guide the axle shaft back into the housing, making sure you don't damage the seal. Connect and install the nuts for the bearing retainer with your wrench and extension.

8

Reconnect the brake drum and wheel, then lower the Jeep off the jack stands.