Like title says, I have read up on how to tell it is bad and it is. Now, I've read articles that said both, some said you can install new bearing without removing carrier and some say you have to remove carrier. Which is true?

Does the XJ have a crush sleeve in the front axle for the pinion bearing? Again, I have read articles that said both.

Just trying to get down to the facts so I know what I'm dealing with.

Thanks,
Mike

 

looking for more info on this as well.

 

No. The carrier has to come out in order to replace the bearing and race.

Crush collar or shims, it doesn't matter.

 

Yeah there is no way around taking carrier out.

Yes there is a crush sleeve around that bearing and race. You prolly won't have to mess with crush sleeve unless you are replacing the race too.

Just hope that is all you have to change. That bearing could effect pinion depth also.

Good luck

 

No, but at least you don't have to set up the gearset again (just don't misplace any of the shims!)

However, it's still difficult enough to get right that, if you're not set up for it, don't start. You may be better off letting an axle shop handle it for you - it can be cheaper in the long run! (Tell them you've already done the diagnosis and what you want replaced, which limits what they can do. I do diagnostic services for stuff I'm not equipped to fix for friends of my wife's - I also have some local shops I use for various jobs, so they're used to getting notes from me saying "Do this and don't do anything else without talking to both of us.")