Axle seals
Thread Starter
JK Super Freak
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,095
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
Axle seals
It looks like the dealer may have damaged my driver side axle seal when they pulled the axle shaft out to replace my ball joints under warranty a few weeks ago.
I have a little puddle of oil underneath the driver side CV joint and a few drops of oil on the ground below it.
I spoke to the dealer and told them about it and they told me what I'm seeing is excess oil that was in the axle tube because the pumpkin was overfilled. When they pulled the axle shaft out to replace the ball joints, the excess oil spilled out of the pumpkin and into the axle tube. When they re-inserted the axle shaft, some oil was left in the tube and that's what's pouring out. The dealer told me to wait a few weeks for the excess oil to drain out completely.
Well, it's been a few weeks and oil is still dripping out. I went back to the dealer. They brought out the mechanic who replaced the ball joints originally and he swears that the axle seals were not disturbed when removing and replacing the axle shafts. Furthermore, the service manager is telling me that due to the increased pressure in the pumpkin due to overfilling it, the axle seals would have prematurely worn and possibly damaged. Therefore, they won't replace the seals under warranty.
WTF? Does this make any sense. Unfortunately, I am not sufficiently familiar with the mechanics of my Jeep to fully understand this. Where do the seals go? Inside the axle tube? Near the differential, or on the outside, near the CV joints?
If not covered under warranty, should I look at replacing the seals with better or different seals?
What are my options here?
Thanks.
I have a little puddle of oil underneath the driver side CV joint and a few drops of oil on the ground below it.
I spoke to the dealer and told them about it and they told me what I'm seeing is excess oil that was in the axle tube because the pumpkin was overfilled. When they pulled the axle shaft out to replace the ball joints, the excess oil spilled out of the pumpkin and into the axle tube. When they re-inserted the axle shaft, some oil was left in the tube and that's what's pouring out. The dealer told me to wait a few weeks for the excess oil to drain out completely.
Well, it's been a few weeks and oil is still dripping out. I went back to the dealer. They brought out the mechanic who replaced the ball joints originally and he swears that the axle seals were not disturbed when removing and replacing the axle shafts. Furthermore, the service manager is telling me that due to the increased pressure in the pumpkin due to overfilling it, the axle seals would have prematurely worn and possibly damaged. Therefore, they won't replace the seals under warranty.
WTF? Does this make any sense. Unfortunately, I am not sufficiently familiar with the mechanics of my Jeep to fully understand this. Where do the seals go? Inside the axle tube? Near the differential, or on the outside, near the CV joints?
If not covered under warranty, should I look at replacing the seals with better or different seals?
What are my options here?
Thanks.
JK-Forum Founder
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 36,534
Likes: 16
From: Laguna Niguel, CA
honestly, your dealer is full of it. if your pumpkin had been over filled, the gear oil would have pumped out of your breather tube - there would be no increase in pressure inside. more than likely, your seal is compromised and it is located inside in between your carrier and axle tube. it is not an easy thing to replace but if you ask me, it totally sounds like it's their fault and they should be responsible for it. but, it probably won't be an easy battle getting them to cover it. 
Thread Starter
JK Super Freak
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,095
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
honestly, your dealer is full of it. if your pumpkin had been over filled, the gear oil would have pumped out of your breather tube - there would be no increase in pressure inside. more than likely, your seal is compromised and it is located inside in between your carrier and axle tube. it is not an easy thing to replace but if you ask me, it totally sounds like it's their fault and they should be responsible for it. but, it probably won't be an easy battle getting them to cover it.
I hate dealers.I forgot to mention that they also used the excuse that I have after-market differential covers. They claimed that since the volume of oil used in the pumpkin changes with a new differential cover, it alters the pressure and may lead to premature failure of the seals.
So if I can't win the battle with the dealer, do you recommend upgrading the OEM seals? Are there even any upgrades available? What are the advantages to any upgrades? What would an average shop charge me? Or better yet, does anyone know how many labor hours replacing the seals calls for in the manual?
Thanks again.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
From: Twin Falls Idaho
WOL is right, there is no pressure short of gravity in the pumpkin as it has a BREATHER hose. They are trying to pull a fast one on you and I personally would go above their heads to corporate and get some satisfaction. Mechanic f'd it up and is trying to hide his incompetence. Good luck.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,934
Likes: 0
From: Middle of no where
It looks like the dealer may have damaged my driver side axle seal when they pulled the axle shaft out to replace my ball joints under warranty a few weeks ago.
I have a little puddle of oil underneath the driver side CV joint and a few drops of oil on the ground below it.
I spoke to the dealer and told them about it and they told me what I'm seeing is excess oil that was in the axle tube because the pumpkin was overfilled. When they pulled the axle shaft out to replace the ball joints, the excess oil spilled out of the pumpkin and into the axle tube. When they re-inserted the axle shaft, some oil was left in the tube and that's what's pouring out. The dealer told me to wait a few weeks for the excess oil to drain out completely.
Well, it's been a few weeks and oil is still dripping out. I went back to the dealer. They brought out the mechanic who replaced the ball joints originally and he swears that the axle seals were not disturbed when removing and replacing the axle shafts. Furthermore, the service manager is telling me that due to the increased pressure in the pumpkin due to overfilling it, the axle seals would have prematurely worn and possibly damaged. Therefore, they won't replace the seals under warranty.
WTF? Does this make any sense. Unfortunately, I am not sufficiently familiar with the mechanics of my Jeep to fully understand this. Where do the seals go? Inside the axle tube? Near the differential, or on the outside, near the CV joints?
If not covered under warranty, should I look at replacing the seals with better or different seals?
What are my options here?
Thanks.
I have a little puddle of oil underneath the driver side CV joint and a few drops of oil on the ground below it.
I spoke to the dealer and told them about it and they told me what I'm seeing is excess oil that was in the axle tube because the pumpkin was overfilled. When they pulled the axle shaft out to replace the ball joints, the excess oil spilled out of the pumpkin and into the axle tube. When they re-inserted the axle shaft, some oil was left in the tube and that's what's pouring out. The dealer told me to wait a few weeks for the excess oil to drain out completely.
Well, it's been a few weeks and oil is still dripping out. I went back to the dealer. They brought out the mechanic who replaced the ball joints originally and he swears that the axle seals were not disturbed when removing and replacing the axle shafts. Furthermore, the service manager is telling me that due to the increased pressure in the pumpkin due to overfilling it, the axle seals would have prematurely worn and possibly damaged. Therefore, they won't replace the seals under warranty.
WTF? Does this make any sense. Unfortunately, I am not sufficiently familiar with the mechanics of my Jeep to fully understand this. Where do the seals go? Inside the axle tube? Near the differential, or on the outside, near the CV joints?
If not covered under warranty, should I look at replacing the seals with better or different seals?
What are my options here?
Thanks.
JK Newbie
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Bedford, IN
The dealer replaced my u-joints under warranty, a few weeks later I still had oil coming out so I checked the diff and found it low . The dealer replaced both seals, they did it under warranty but we know they damaged the seals.
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JK Newbie
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Cape Cod
Hey guys, I have some in put on this topic:
I just took delivery of a used 2008 Rubicon on Saturday. I talked to the salesman and he says the typical 5 star dealer 130 check points ETC should be good to go.
I drive the car home from Clare Jeep in Newport RI about 30 miles from home. By the time I get home go inside and come back out the front drivers side axle seal is puking in my driveway.
Well, of coarse I know a thing or two about these JKs and call them right up. No one to answer at service sales guy says ITS FINE JUST DRIVE IT. .... yah ok. So Monday rolls around I drop the rubicon back at the dealer. I had checked the fluid levels in both my DIFFS and yes they are both over filled!
I make them aware of the situation and luckily enough I picked it up tonight...3 DAYS LATER TWO FREE AXLE SEALS + LABOR. Huge pain in the ass but glad I didnt have to pay for it. Its a big job.
I know this doesnt help you and your situation but just another case of incompetent idiot mechanics.
Good Luck
I just took delivery of a used 2008 Rubicon on Saturday. I talked to the salesman and he says the typical 5 star dealer 130 check points ETC should be good to go.
I drive the car home from Clare Jeep in Newport RI about 30 miles from home. By the time I get home go inside and come back out the front drivers side axle seal is puking in my driveway.
Well, of coarse I know a thing or two about these JKs and call them right up. No one to answer at service sales guy says ITS FINE JUST DRIVE IT. .... yah ok. So Monday rolls around I drop the rubicon back at the dealer. I had checked the fluid levels in both my DIFFS and yes they are both over filled!
I make them aware of the situation and luckily enough I picked it up tonight...3 DAYS LATER TWO FREE AXLE SEALS + LABOR. Huge pain in the ass but glad I didnt have to pay for it. Its a big job.
I know this doesnt help you and your situation but just another case of incompetent idiot mechanics.
Good Luck