So the other day I trashed my driver's side front axle shaft. I've ordered a replacement axle shaft, and I am waiting for it to arrive.

Due to poor weather, my Jeep has sat (unmoved) outside since the incident. Just today I was able to get it into my garage, afterwords I notice a small leak on the driver's side. This is a small amount of diff fluid coming out of where that little plastic dust cover is.

Searching around the forum it would seem my axle seal is leaking. But, searching around the forum seems to indicate that most people just say "take it to the dealer" as the fix. I highly doubt my dealer is going to fix this, plus I am going to be in there replacing the axle shaft.

What is the procedure for replacing the seal? Where, exactly is the seal? It's not the plastic cap, right?


Oh, for the curious, here is a picture of the damaged axle shaft.

 

Here is one from the write-ups area. A search will find you more

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...al-Replacement

 

Hope this helps

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...xel+shaft+seal

 

Thank you both!

I don't know how I didn't find those while searching, but they are exactly what I was looking for.

I see I can order these online, but for time sake I was hoping to find them locally. Is there anything special about these seals, or they pretty much standard for all D30 axles?

 

That is a good suggestion. I too frequently forget that the dealer is a good place to get things like this.

I drive past a pretty good dealer in my area on the way to work. I will have to stop there tomorrow and see if they can hook me up.

 

Lol. I too frequently remember that you get reamed at the dealership parts department, so it is generally my last resort. But $13 doesn't sound too bad.

 

I saw those seals at ORW for 10 bucks.

 

I stopped at a local dealer today and picked up a couple. They were $13.63 each... I didn't think that was too bad, especially since I didn't have to pay shipping and had product in hand today.

 

I thought about it, but that still wouldn't negate the need for repairing the inner seal.

This seal that is leaking is actually sealing the diff from the axle tube... I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving it compromised, even with those external seals in place. I would be afraid that the diff might have a difficult time keeping it's oil level at a consistent supply, especially in off-camber situations.