Could use some help with JK Front Axle Seals

[JK Critter]

Hey All,

I noticed some issues with my Jeep this weekend and found my driver's side seal leaking. Might have other issues as well, but can't tell yet.

I don't think that I can get away with pulling the whole axle apart in my Apt complex. I've flaunted the 'no work on cars' clause in the lease a bit too much this year already.

Also, I have never done inner seals myself before and would appreciate some extra hands who know a bit about what they are doing.

Wondering if there is anyone in the Fairfax area that might have some space/time available this weekend?

Also, if anyone could recommend seals and where to get them? Trying to keep costs minimal.

Thanks

 

[94hokies]

I just got these last week and put them in this weekend on my 2012: Synergy Manufacturing Dana 3044 Inner Axle Seals - Jeep Rubicon 2007-2018 | 8009-13|Northridge4x4
You will be pulling the diff cover off, I went ahead and did the gasket instead of messing with the sealer, and it is supposed to be good for a handful of reuses: Lube Locker Dana 44 Gasket - Jeep Rubicon 2007-2018 | LLR-D044|Northridge4x4, and a bit under 1.5 quarts to refill.

I created a makeshift installer, but I'd recommend getting the installation tool if anyone here has one you can borrow. I was replacing my axle shafts anyway, not sure if there is a way to install the seals without pulling the shafts out. I got lucky and had a large socket that was a perfect fix to sit in the seal to provide a clean press.

The diff gears will need to come out, if you have Rubicon there is an electrical connector plug that was cracked on mine I needed to replace: Crown Automotive Jeep Replacement 68003570AA Axle Locker Sensor Connector 849603015512 | eBay

 

[94hokies]

I just got these last week and put them in this weekend on my 2012: Synergy Manufacturing Dana 3044 Inner Axle Seals - Jeep Rubicon 2007-2018 | 8009-13|Northridge4x4
You will be pulling the diff cover off, I went ahead and did the gasket instead of messing with the sealer, and it is supposed to be good for a handful of reuses: Lube Locker Dana 44 Gasket - Jeep Rubicon 2007-2018 | LLR-D044|Northridge4x4, and a bit under 1.5 quarts to refill.

I created a makeshift installer, but I'd recommend getting the installation tool if anyone here has one you can borrow. I was replacing my axle shafts anyway, not sure if there is a way to install the seals without pulling the shafts out. I got lucky and had a large socket that was a perfect fix to sit in the seal to provide a clean press.

The diff gears will need to come out, if you have Rubicon there is an electrical connector plug that was cracked on mine I needed to replace: Crown Automotive Jeep Replacement 68003570AA Axle Locker Sensor Connector 849603015512 | eBay

This thread has the DIY I modeled after as well as a pic of the actual Mopar installer, with the part number. How to replace the inner axle seal on your Dana 44 JK axle - JK-Forum.com - The top destination for Jeep JK and JL Wrangler news, rumors, and discussion

 

[94hokies]

In looking to see if this can be done without removing the axles, think I just found something I missed that hopefully someone can chime in on. In putting the carrier back into the housing, I didn't do any of the tricks to keep the little plunger for the locker extended. Do I need to pull this thing back apart now and re-install with the locker plunger thing fully extended with the toothpick and string trick?

 

[JK Critter]

Thanks for the info. I had found those but wasn't sure if they were right. Mine is just the Dana 30.

I don't think you can do it without removing the axles, as you have to get them out before you can remove the carrier

 

[94hokies]

Thanks for the info. I had found those but wasn't sure if they were right. Mine is just the Dana 30.

I don't think you can do it without removing the axles, as you have to get them out before you can remove the carrier

Yeah, I couldn't figure out everything either and just called Northridge and had them confirm everything.

I just had to pull it all apart again tonight since I didn't keep the locker indicator plunger extended. Can confirm, looks like the shafts are going to need to be pulled.

 

[itsalwayssunny]

Yeah, I couldn't figure out everything either and just called Northridge and had them confirm everything.

I just had to pull it all apart again tonight since I didn't keep the locker indicator plunger extended. Can confirm, looks like the shafts are going to need to be pulled.
[/QU

I just got these last week and put them in this weekend on my 2012: Synergy Manufacturing Dana 3044 Inner Axle Seals - Jeep Rubicon 2007-2018 | 8009-13|Northridge4x4
You will be pulling the diff cover off, I went ahead and did the gasket instead of messing with the sealer, and it is supposed to be good for a handful of reuses: Lube Locker Dana 44 Gasket - Jeep Rubicon 2007-2018 | LLR-D044|Northridge4x4, and a bit under 1.5 quarts to refill.

I created a makeshift installer, but I'd recommend getting the installation tool if anyone here has one you can borrow. I was replacing my axle shafts anyway, not sure if there is a way to install the seals without pulling the shafts out. I got lucky and had a large socket that was a perfect fix to sit in the seal to provide a clean press.

The diff gears will need to come out, if you have Rubicon there is an electrical connector plug that was cracked on mine I needed to replace: Crown Automotive Jeep Replacement 68003570AA Axle Locker Sensor Connector 849603015512 | eBay

So I had already looked up the parts from multiple sources and bought the same seals before this post, but started breaking the whole front end down earlier today. FYI, a 1 1/2 inch piece of PVC works perfectly to drive the old seals out and squish out all of the dirt and debris in the tube. However, after I compared the seals, the ones you listed (and I bought) are not what came out of my D30 (27 spline, 3.73 gears, no locker). Doing more research, I found this seal that looks the same as what came out of mine. I do need to measure mine, but they are obviously different seal shapes, so I am going to guess the measurements will match up.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/spicer/spicer-axle-shaft-seal/spi0/2013455/v/a/119850/automotive-suv-2013-jeep-wrangler?q=front+axle+seal&pos=5

From what I can gather, this seal is for a D44 or a "super 30." No idea why it is in my D30. I'm wondering if anyone has any info on the differences. I am assuming I should put the same one back that I took out rather than one that is called for in a parts book?

 

[94hokies]

Check out this thread https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/stock-jk-tech-12/there-better-then-stock-inner-axle-seal-309520/

Maybe you have the 2 piece seal, version AC. Thread indicates the change was 2013 but should backfit all JKs. Mine is 2012 and the AB picture looks like the synergy one I put in. I may need to check with Northridge to make sure all is good, but I ordered the shafts and seals at the same time.

@JK Critter if you still need a place, not Fairfax but if you wanted to haul out to Purcellville plenty of room to work here.

 

[itsalwayssunny]

@94hokies That looks like the answer! It is a two piece seal, now that I look at it from that angle. I just thought I broke it taking it out. @JK Critter I don't know what year model you are working with, but I'll let you know if I find any stumbling blocks as this is my first time doing this repair as well. Sorry I'm not more help on the wrenching. I'm down outside of Charlottesville, so unfortunately I end up being more electronically connected to the group than physically.

 

[JK Critter]

I pulled up the Mopar part number, and it looks like they switched to a 2 piece seal (5014852AC) around 2013, but that has been replaced again with a one piece (68304271AA)

 

[JK Critter]

@94hokies I still may take you up on the space offer, but since I haven't ordered anything yet, it probably won't be this weekend. I'm having other symptoms, and I have to put it up on the jack tonight to see what the root cause is.