Hey there everyone, just wanted to reach out and see if anyone has had any issues with there rear axle bearings? My '08 JK was in for oil change and Tire rotation. I was walking around it checking my suspension links and stuf when I grabbed my rear tires I can get some movement. I don't have any leaking and when the tires are removed you can't get any movement, so it appears I caught it early and my rear axle bearings will need to be replaced.
I have almost 50K on my JK and it kind of surprised me that there are wearing out already.
Any suggestions on replacements? I know I can just throw OEM in there but I'm going to check Dynatrac and see if there are heavy duty replacements available.

Thanks

 

If the seals aren't leaking and your bearings are not making any noise, no need to replace. Now, this is from my experience, there is some slight in and out play on the rear axle . If you change your bearinigs the play will still be there. I've changed mine and put in new axles, same same.

 

I have an 07' and my rear axle was leaking on the drivers side. I ended up replacing the seal, bearing, and retainer. You can't replace the seal without also replacing the bearing as well.

I agree with the previous poster, if you are not leaking and there is no noise and minimal play, I wouldn't mess with it.

Oh, and my leak wasn't excessive as there was never any fluid on the floor. Once I got to looking at it though, you could tell it was leaking for a while as there was drip marks inside the wheel. When I actually took it apart, there was dirt and gunk everywhere. I am glad brakes are on all 4 corners because that side was too gunked up to actually do any stopping!

 

Thanks for the heads up. I will just keep an eye on them and replace once they start leaking or making noise.

 

I have a leak on my driver's side rear also. How come you have to replace seal, bearings and retainer and cant just replace the seal?

 

The retainer deforms a little when it is pressed over the axle. It's best to start with a new one each time, since it's the only thing that keeps the axle shaft in place.
The bearings are fairly cheap. Why not replace it and start with a new one. The old one could be easily damaged during removal, too. If you don't do the work yourself, you won't know if it's good or bad.

The nuts on the outside retainer plate should be replaced, too.

 

I have developed a loud screeching sound I can't determine where exactly its coming from. But it doesn't change when I use the brakes or when I push the clutch. The only way it stops is if I come to a complete stop. So I am thinking its a bad wheel bearing somewhere. Anyone have any wisdom to share.

 

From what you are describing, it does sound like the bearings going bad. I got the same sound on my okd TJ, shortly before the axle slid out of the housing when the bearing went. I would fix it asap

 

Does anyone recommend any aftermarket companies that have tougher than stock parts?? Basically I'll need to replace the retainer, bearing and axle seal. Correct?

 

My jk is still making a loud whining / screech whistling noise....ill be putting it in Jack's on the rear and see if still makes noise coming from the rear....anyhow...I went to the autoparts store and they told me they only sell the bearing for the rear and not the wheel bearing hub..he said I would have to the pressed into the hub?..anyone have experience with this??