I have posted a write up in the Write Up Section on how to replace a REar Axle Seal or Axle Bearing

Throwing this out to anyone that can answer these questions. I just did my gears and had a problem with the drive side axle seal. The Axle seal was broken when I slid the axle out. So after waiting two days for parts (axle seal and bearing). I put it back together and even had a mechanic look at befor buttoning it. He said everthing looked good. Today I notice gear oil leaking from the same side I thought I had fixed. After taking it apart I noticed that there was a space between the bearing and ring (for those that do not know the ring is a very thick washer that keeps the bearing from sliding down the axle toward the gears). Now my questions are:

1) Has anyone had this problem.
2) Does the ring need to be replaced everytime one has to replace an axle seal. ( I had to reuse the old one due to sealership not ordering it and I need the Jeep)
3) Just so I know does anyone have a pic or can they tell me which way the axle seal should sit on the axle Just incase I did make a mistake the first time I fixed it

 

Rear axle:
Bearing retainer ring needs to be replaced each time it is removed. The book does not say anything about using a new ring. But, it is a huge interference fit, and the old one will not retain your axle as good as a new ring.
Open side of the seal goes toward the diff. General rule of thumb: open side of this type of seal goes toward the oil source.

 

I am assuming that the open side is were you can see the spring that keeps presure on the rubber around the axle.

Also, have you done this repair before. If so what install method did you use to get the bearing and retainer ring back on. The first time I did this I cooked the bearing and ring in gear oil so they would press on a little easier while in the press. Do you have any other suggestions.

 

Yes, I have done this repair before. It was on my '88 XJ, which I owned for 14 years. The parts and procedure are the same as for our JKs.
You are correct about the seal orientation.
A hydraulic press is the best way to go.
Cooking the ring in oil can be dangerous, but will make it easier to press on, although it is not necessary.

 

Thanks for all your help and knowledge you have been alot of help. I had that feeling I needed that retaining ring before I repaired it. But what is one going to do on a Friday afternoon and you need a vehicle. What I did. Pray I didnt need it and Axle Gods padded me on the back and said Syke!! Thought you fixed it. But thats ok parts will be here tomorrow including the ring.

 

Glad I could help. Have fun with the new parts!
The four axle retainer nuts MUST be replaced. The old ones can back off and cause big problems.
They get 45 ft/lbs torque.
edit to add: Why not take some pics, and turn this into a write-up?

 

Please make this a write-up w/ pics...

 

I was planning on doing a write up for this but I did not have a camera when I took the old parts off. Since I have already take the bearing off II will do the write up for the install and make a note how I got the old ring and bearing off. This is def something that everyone should know incase the stealership does not do it under warrant. I did not take mine for it due to the rear already apart. Figured might as well do it myself and learn something new.

 

I have posted a write up on this in the Write Up Section.