Hi everyone,

I just noticed that my front passenger-side axle shaft seal is leaking. I upgraded to Superior shafts several months ago, including new tighter seals. I know this is a problem for some folks with OEM shafts/seals, but I'm surprised to see the same problem with new shafts and seals. Has anyone else had this problem with Superior shafts? Is there a better solution than changing the seals for the same thing?

And on a related note, does anyone know what kind of seals Superior ships with their JK shafts? David (from Northridge4x4) thinks they're TJ seals.

Thanks!
js.

 

It's the same part number as the TJ 's. As far as the leak, I had the same thing. I changed out the seal three times and never got it to stop. To this day I'm convinced Superior sold me an either bent or poorly machined axle shaft. I finally fixed it with an AlloyUSA shaft.

 

when you installed your new shafts, did you make sure to install the new inner seals that should have come with them? the superior shafts are narrower than stock and if you do not replace the inner seals, you will have a leak.

 

WoL,

Yeah, I installed the new seals from Superior with the shafts. According to David, the seals are probably OEM seals for a TJ. I can change 'em again, but if they leaked once, I'm guessing they can leak again...

Thanks,
js.

 

okay. well, the new seals are super tight for sure and i've always wondered how long they would last. guess not that long.

 

Buying new AlloyUSA shafts is a little expensive, so I'm thinking of changing the seals (any suggestions on which? TJ, JK?) and combining it with the ORE sleeves and gussets:

http://project-jk.com/jeep-jk-new/of...d-axle-sleeves

At least that should keep any possible flexing of the axle housing to a minimum. :-) And the second set of seals doesn't hurt. Of course, if the inner seal fails again, it might be a while before I find out. :-)

js.

 

Definitely don't buy the JK seals. Guaranteed those'll leak. The Dana number for the Superior (TJ) seal is 43116. Be careful putting a band aid on this problem by putting some kind of outer seal on it. You can run the diff very low on lube without knowing it that way.

 

Thanks. So far the plan is to change the seals, and add some of those new ORE axle sleeves w/ extra seals. I'll check the diff fluid level regularly, and if I see it happening again, I'll buy some AlloyUSA shafts.

Then again... If anyone wants to buy those Superior front axle shafts off me....

js.