What is the OPDA and do I need to change mine?

@UKTJ so weird! I definitely posted the correct link. Here it is below, but yes the correct part is 53010624AC.

US Amazon Link

@minimull here is one available on eBay with a 1 year warranty. Ebay

@UKTJ here is an EU link eBay EU
I find Amazon links have a tendency to ‘mutate’ and end up pointing to something different. Somebody more technical than me may know why.
 
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@UKTJ so weird! I definitely posted the correct link. Here it is below, but yes the correct part is 53010624AC.

US Amazon Link

@minimull here is one available on eBay with a 1 year warranty. Ebay

@UKTJ here is an EU link eBay EU
Thanks, JM. I sent the seller a message to make sure it was the Crown part, since it doesn't actually say on the listing. Hoping it is and they get back to me soon. 🤞
 
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Well, I decided to pull the OPDA and replace with a dorman until the back ordered Crown unit arrives (eBay item wasn’t crown). Probably good that I did, but after seeing the gear on the old OPDA, now I’m worried about my camshaft. Here’s a video of the gears on the old OPDA

https://youtube.com/shorts/QDsyf89tB9E
and a video of the camshaft underneath although it’s really difficult to see

https://youtube.com/shorts/nwf6LPkKzHw
If the gears on the old OPDA look that bad, I’m guessing my camshaft is also worn? Do I need to have it checked out and possibly replaced? ☹️
 
Do we have any data about whether these Crown models also wear out? I just replaced mine, but if I'm wondering if I should buy another spare while they are available.
 
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One of the most common issues with the 4.0 engine in the later model Wrangler TJs is the OPDA (oil pump drive assembly). The factory OPDA is designed with two oil impregnated bronze bushings separated by an oil seal. The upper bushing is cut off from lubrication by that seal, resulting in premature failure. Over time, radial movement develops in the shaft. Eventually, the complete assembly and camshaft will fail.

Jeep / Chrysler is well aware of the OPDA issue with these cars as they issued the E05 recall for some of the 2005 model 4.0 engines due to premature oil pump drive gear wear. This recall involved engines that were built between 10/20/2004 and 02/01/2005. However, don't be fooled by the recall dates as there are many owners of 2006 models (and even the years prior to 2005) that have experienced OPDA issues, including complete failure.

A worn oil pump drive assembly will show symptoms, such as a check engine light or a squeaking noise coming from the oil pump drive assembly itself (some people describe the noise as a loud screeching sound or something similar to a laughing barrel of monkeys).

The fact of the matter however is this is no laughing matter. Ignoring a bad OPDA can and will result in catastrophic engine failure which will put you in the hole for thousands of dollars. On the contrary, a replacement OPDA is only a bit more than $100, and it's a very easy thing to change out as well.

If you recently purchased a used Wrangler TJ one of the first things you should think about doing is to change out the OPDA with the redesigned Crown Automotive OPDA, regardless of what year your Wrangler TJ is.

The reengineered Crown OPDA moves the seal above the upper bushings, allowing oil to lubricate it. An oil channel was also added to the shaft to increase overall lubrication to the area.

You can purchase the Crown OPDA here

The video below perfectly demonstrates step-by-step how to change out the OPDA.


Thanks Chris. I see reference to 04–06 models. Mine is a 97. Is this something I should look into for mine too?
 
Even if you have a 2006 with the OPDA, this was a problem only a few TJs had, 15 years later, if it is still running it is not an issue. I have an '05 TJR and an '06 TJR. You can get a link to Chtysler Jeep to find all recalls. Cannot comment on the USA but both of my Canadian TJRs say the OPDA issue was corrected in a recall. There must be a link to confirm that for USA vrsions.
 
Hey guys! I’m new here and I’ve been reading this thread and it has been very helpful. I have been running into some p0344 CEL and I decided to change the OPDA to see if that might be the fix. It turns out, the OPDA will not come out for some reason. The jeep does have rust on it. Will this be an issue? Has anyone ran into this before? Thank you for any help! (I also have a post on this)
 
Hey guys! I’m new here and I’ve been reading this thread and it has been very helpful. I have been running into some p0344 CEL and I decided to change the OPDA to see if that might be the fix. It turns out, the OPDA will not come out for some reason. The jeep does have rust on it. Will this be an issue? Has anyone ran into this before? Thank you for any help! (I also have a post on this)
Did you ever get it out? You unbolted the retainer, right?
 
@Prospect62 sorry for the late response but yes, I was able to get and replace it. Although, I do have a p0016 CEL. I went to the mechanic to get it aligned and the keep is still throwing the code. I’m also getting a code for the precats. I don’t know if that is related but it is running well!
 
Realize this is an old thread, but just want to point out that replacing a $100 part to avoid catastrophic engine failure is a no brainer...I'll be doing this over the weekend.
 
Yes, and my VIN did not pop that recall. '06 TJUR. Still changing out the OPDA @ 30k mi.
My understanding is that a recall was never issued. The Jeep community found that the "offending" OPDA had two O rings in the shaft to the oil pump causing that the top one never received lubrication. Crown, jumped to the occasion and offered a version with the top one eliminated. That's it.
 
My understanding is that a recall was never issued. The Jeep community found that the "offending" OPDA had two O rings in the shaft to the oil pump causing that the top one never received lubrication. Crown, jumped to the occasion and offered a version with the top one eliminated. That's it.
Skuttlebutt I'm reading here is the recall was for '05 then swept under the rug by Mopar in '06. No matter, still preventive maintenance and I'm getting mine done - professionally, including scanning.

And you are correct about Crown.
 
Hey yall, it's been a while since I posted here but I last had issues with my OPDA a few months ago. I was throwing the p0344 code and I would go into imp mode. I was able to replace the OPDA and I am no longer in limp mode. The Jeep is still throwing the P0016 code. Would it be possible that the timing has been thrown off by any chance? Has anyone ever encountered this issue before? I'll appreciate any help!