I've been smelling something that I eventually realized was gear oil after driving the LJ. This looks like I need a new seal to me. Just under 37,000 miles but of course 18 years.
Is this a leaking pinion seal?
- Thread starter Viking Jeeper
- Start date
It's safe to say it is your pinion seal !
The top is dry and the bottom is wet. I'm in the same boat as you,after 30k miles within about a year and half or so my jeep is in need of a new pinion seal for the front
Edit- Get a good unit from Dana/Spicer
Get that hammer and chisel ready to get that old one out or the proper tool and a side of Patience when taking that thing out
As far as installing the seal DONT forget to put back the oil slinger (looks like a big thin washer) put a film of rtv where the metal part of the seal seats on the axle housing (optional some people will differ) use a block of of wood or just go in circles while tapping the seal in !
Torque your new lock nut to spec put your DS back in and BAM your done....I know I probably forget some steps but that's just a rough "idea"
The top is dry and the bottom is wet. I'm in the same boat as you,after 30k miles within about a year and half or so my jeep is in need of a new pinion seal for the front
Edit- Get a good unit from Dana/Spicer
Get that hammer and chisel ready to get that old one out or the proper tool and a side of Patience when taking that thing out
As far as installing the seal DONT forget to put back the oil slinger (looks like a big thin washer) put a film of rtv where the metal part of the seal seats on the axle housing (optional some people will differ) use a block of of wood or just go in circles while tapping the seal in !
Torque your new lock nut to spec put your DS back in and BAM your done....I know I probably forget some steps but that's just a rough "idea"
Last edited:
It's safe to say it is your pinion seal !
The top is dry and the bottom is wet. I'm in the same boat as you,after 30k miles within about a year and half or so my jeep is in need of a new pinion seal for the front
Edit- Get a good unit from Dana/Spicer
Get that hammer and chisel ready to get that old one out or the proper tool and a side of Patience when taking that thing out
As far as installing the seal DONT forget to put back the oil slinger (looks like a big thin washer) put a film of rtv where the metal part of the seal seats on the axle housing (optional some people will differ) use a block of of wood or just go in circles while tapping the seal in !
Torque your new lock nut to spec put your DS back in and BAM your done....I know I probably forget some steps but that's just a rough "idea"
Just after I posted I went outside to remove rear DS to troubleshoot some vibrations and as I got a closer look I realized my question was kind of dumb. Of course it's a leaking pinion seal. Thanks for the response.
It might have been sketchy but I had no issues until I replaced the front DS. Cant explain that but it happened. I had vibrations after new front DS install but they are all gone in front wheel drive mode.
That leak appears to be seepage thru the pinion splines.
If the leak were between the seal and the yoke; you would see the oil leaking down the metal part of the seal instead of the out from inside the yoke where the nut holds the yoke onto the pinion.
If the leak were between the seal and the yoke; you would see the oil leaking down the metal part of the seal instead of the out from inside the yoke where the nut holds the yoke onto the pinion.
Don't use rtv, on the splines. There is a sealant specific for petroleum based applications that doesn't harden. Hylomar aviation sealant, blue in color. Gas proof too.
https://www.amazon.com/Hylomar-HMMS00C-040G-Universal-Blue/dp/B0064M6A6G/?tag=wranglerorg-20
https://www.amazon.com/Hylomar-HMMS00C-040G-Universal-Blue/dp/B0064M6A6G/?tag=wranglerorg-20