Guys,

Fairly new here. I have a 2016 JK Willys edition with 3.73 ratio with 105k miles. I recently saw a leak in the rear axle and opted to go to a mechanic to get seals and wheel bearings replaced. They found that the diff gears have chipped tooth on them when the opened the cover on the axle. They are recommending completely rebuilding the rear axle, changing the Diff Case, Ring and Pinion, Diff bearings etc. It is going to cost quite a bit so I wanted to ask you all if anyone thinks it is really necessary to do all that. I have added the pictures of the gears and would love to hear from you guys.
Also, anyone in bay area region to help find a good place for jeeps?

Regards
Harma

 

Welcome to the JK Forum.. IMO a replace the damaged parts- in the pictures those are the spider gears. if the ring gear and pinion are not chipped they are OK. Thoroughly clean the entire diff including the port that supplies grease to the pinion bearing. Getting all the metal chips is the KEY..Not removing the pinion and retaining the differential shims in the correct side too. New axle seals & bearing as planned. IMO you should be good to go.. Check this video:

 

I agree with Jay....if the ring and pinion gears are ok, no chipped teeth, then you're just looking at replacing spider gears in the carrier and that is not that expensive. We don't have more pictures, but they might be trying to sell you a new car when all you need is tires.

 

Thanks Jay2013jk and resharp001, appreciate the help. They were definitely upselling.

 

Jay2013jk, Resharp001

Any suggestion what is the best place to buy just the spider gears for the limited slip differential?

 

Harmansinghbal2, have not checked for just the spider gear set up outside the dealership..OR . Multiple sellers of MOPAR parts are online with catalogues; many are listed in the vendor directory on JK Forum

 

mine did the same thing. Dana 44HD rear. It was leaking on the speed sensor. Then i found the axle bearings were worn. And then i opened the diff cover. 🙄🤦‍♂️

Luckily it was just the spider gears. Is this a common failure point?

 

A good used axle may be cheaper and quicker and just as good. Especially if you don't have a rubicon, and its just a lower trim axle, I have found those axles, transfer case etc are all very reasonably priced and regularly not abused. A fresh oil change and a few hours work to swap the axle would be a solid way to go.

 

I think Rock Auto has your parts. Can't get them for a Rubicon though but you are ok as you are Willys model.