Mfran12345

I have a 2000 xj sport 4x4. I believe the rear axle is a c8.25 due to the flat bottom (I can post a picture later). Anyway I notice the one side is leaking fluid onto the back of my tire. How hard is it to replace the bearing and axle seals? I'm new to working on the jeep so not that experienced. I've read write ups on how to replace them and seems straight forward. I'm worried about messing something up. Is it easy to royally screw something up so I should leave it to the pros? If not what is a good replacement or where should I look to get good replacements. Thanks.

BillyBoy

Make your own press out of a piece if threaded rod and pcv pipe. Look for videos. Once you buy the seals, you can get the right sized pipe.and caps. Banging them out works. Back in, press them.

Further, I only did the front and had no shims. On the back, measuring backlash seems overkill so long as you put back in what came out.

Any other advice on rears is appreciated.

jordan96xj

BillyBoy, are you talking about working on the Differential? I think the OP is talking about plain old axle bearing and seals (at the wheel).

Mfran12345,
I think you should watch a few videos to see if it is within your comfort level. But it is a great starter job, and will help build your confidence. It is not a technically demanding job. Made a little more tedious by having to open and close the rear differential. I don't think you will royally screw anything up. If you struggle getting old bearings or seals out, I suppose you could mess things up by trying to get grinders/cutters in there (don't do that then). And I suppose you could accidentally put a bearing or seal in backwards. Just do your homework before you begin.

Anony

With close to 200,000 miles I have done the front bearings but not yet the rears. As for difficulty the job is not all that difficult, however there are several crucial details to pay attention to so not to damage the rear axle.

There are different methods used to to remove the old bearings and install new ones. For the most part the work is straight forward but there are several things that potentially can come up. One is the bearing isn't pulled or installed straight and the axle and/or bearing become damaged, another is the bearing is severely stuck on the axle shaft and needs to be cut off. You want to inspect where the bearing is installed on the axle shaft. This area potentially can become worn enough where one might want to purchase a new shaft. There are service wheel bearing available designed specifically for worn axle shafts. These service bearings are wider with additional area on the bearing so the axle bearing can be installed away from the damaged area.

Some people just use a pry tool along with a hammer to pry out the old bearings. Then hammer back in the new one along with the bearing seal. Others make there own tool(s) from plumbing and other materials, so be to able to remove and then evenly pound (or press) the bearing and seal back into place. I seem to recall one person using a C-clamp with a piece of pipe to press the bearing into place. What ever method is used the bearing and seal need to be installed straight into the axle or damage may occur.

I guess I getting lazy with age and didn't want to use a hammer and pry tools or make my own tools so I purchased an axle bearing puller kit such as the one from the pic below. Designed to be used with a wrench, socket wrench or impact hammer. Kit is able to pull other size bearings from other vehicles. Cost has significantly gone up, current cost appears to be more than double what I paid a number of years ago.




Another similar type also incudes three bearing size ranges. These are normally used with a slide hammer. I was going to get the slide hammer type but found my older slide hammer for what ever reason uses a different size bolt and I would have needed to purchase another slide hammer. So I got the above kit which was approx. the same cost as the below kit with a slide hammer.

NewbJeep

Piece of cake. Slide hammer and necessary attachment. Yank and gently press back in with an appropriately sized socket (42mm?). There's a write up in the XJ write up section. On my phone or I'd find it for you. Did it last week and I wouldn't do it without the slide hammer. Once you have that, it's a "few light slams" to get them it out. (Name that movie quote.)

Sandyman

Slide hammer will do it very easy. Install behind the bearing and the bearing and seal will come out together. Rent the slide hammer from a parts store. You can use a small piece of 2 1/4" OD PVC to tap in the the new bearing with or without the 2x4, just make sure it is going in straight.

NewbJeep

/\ ha that's funny because the parts stores didn't have the socket I needed, I used a 2-1/4" exhaust sleeve to get mine in

NewbJeep

Here ye go:
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/ch...alation-94699/
Easy Peasy

His axle shaft looks a little less grooved/scarred than mine but I still put mine back in. Will let you know what happens after I finish the drums and get her back on the pavement.

Mfran12345

Thanks

Anony

I purchased a pair of Timkens several years ago from Rock Auto, the same time purchasing the front bearing hubs.

http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/j...le.com+URL+%2F

I'm more familiar with Timken, SKF , Moog and Natioanl which are suppose to be of good quality. Last I heard Federal Mogul owns Moog, National and BCA. All of the above often manufacture the OEM's.

Note: There are two different types of rear wheel bearings. A standard wheel bearing and a service/repair wheel bearing used with worn shafts.

mlepesant

You can find "service" wheel bearings at Rockauto?

97grand4.0

Only problem I had really was the parts store sold me the wrong seals. Be VERY careful that what you put in is the same as what you take out. Nothing like a do-over on that job to make your day.

Jeep Driver

Get a pair of Federals at OReily, $12 each or so. Seals are another $7 or so.

Shipping and wait time for items such as this makes RA a waste of time.

If your shafts are worn, replace them, $25 at the PnP.

Anony

Yes,

TIMKEN TRP1559TV Info
Rear; RWD; Chrysler Axle - 8.25" Ring Gear - Optional Axle Repair Bearing Replaces O.E. Bearing and Seal

I've been shopping online mostly because the closest auto parts stores are around ~30 miles from my location. However recently a Napa opened up less than 10 miles. I use to shop at auto parts frequently for many years since before there were the popular chain stores of today. I grew up in a very rural area (comprised mostly of fishing and farming), most rural areas in the US use to have an auto parts store however over the years many disappeared, I assume because of the popularity of the chain stores.