I'm sliding the rear axles out a bit to pull the differential carrier. My Jeep is a 2010 JKUS with 60k miles. The rear axle seals aren't leaking now. Should I grind off the keepers and bearings and change the rear seals while I have things apart?

 

Why are you pulling the carrier? I've pulled shafts many times and never replaced the seals. Just be gentle with putting them back in.

 

I'm pulling carrier out to change ring and pinion. I looked at videos of seal change and it don't look pretty. You have to use a grinder and air hammer to get the old retain and bearings off before you can get to the seal. This means you have to replace the bearing and press on a new retainer just to change the rear outboard seals.

 

Hmm... Have you looked at any write-ups on it? I don't recall it being quite so hard. Not sure though

 

If they are not leaking, no need to change them.

But yes, rear seals require the removal of the bearing and bearing retainer.