rear main seal on a 96 xj classic??
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Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 72
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From: Nevada
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
so my rear main is leaking and im not really sure on how to fix this...what all is involved in this fix and would i be able to do it on a weekend with out any issues? and how much are all the parts needed to fix this problem?
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 4,440
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From: Seal Beach, CA
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO Straight Six
Make sure it is your rear main seal. There are a few places ABOVE the rear main that will drop down to the rear main area and mimic a RMS leak. So my suggestion would be to degrease the engine, take it for a short drive and really take a good look at where it's coming from.
Other areas it could be leaking is the valve cover, oil filter adaptor, oil pressure sender and oil pan.
If it is in fact the rear main, it can be done in a weekend. Hardest part is removing the oil pan (since it is a 2 piece seal, removal of the tranny isn't necessary). If you aren't lifted, you'll need to let the axle droop to get to it
Other areas it could be leaking is the valve cover, oil filter adaptor, oil pressure sender and oil pan.
If it is in fact the rear main, it can be done in a weekend. Hardest part is removing the oil pan (since it is a 2 piece seal, removal of the tranny isn't necessary). If you aren't lifted, you'll need to let the axle droop to get to it
Yep, looking to do mine this weekend--- RMS---might as well do the oil pan gasket to ensure no more leakage---I'm going to do the valve cover gasket as-well for a leak free jeep---total cost in parts around 75.00$--potential mechanics garage cost--500 and up--DIY-free--unless you screw something up---Get help if you can, I've employed my mechanicly inclined father to help me out. Good luck
Last edited by LovmyXJ; May 31, 2012 at 11:12 PM.
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 4,440
Likes: 3
From: Seal Beach, CA
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO Straight Six
That is a good point. If you're dead set on tackling the rear main seal, then pick up a nice rubber Felpro one piece oil pan gasket while you're at it. Because you need to drop the oil pan anyway to get to the RMS. Some black RTV on the corners of the oil pan will also help allow it to not leak.
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Junior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 31
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From: Long Beach, CA
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Make sure it is your rear main seal. There are a few places ABOVE the rear main that will drop down to the rear main area and mimic a RMS leak. So my suggestion would be to degrease the engine, take it for a short drive and really take a good look at where it's coming from.
Other areas it could be leaking is the valve cover, oil filter adaptor, oil pressure sender and oil pan.
If it is in fact the rear main, it can be done in a weekend. Hardest part is removing the oil pan (since it is a 2 piece seal, removal of the tranny isn't necessary). If you aren't lifted, you'll need to let the axle droop to get to it
Other areas it could be leaking is the valve cover, oil filter adaptor, oil pressure sender and oil pan.
If it is in fact the rear main, it can be done in a weekend. Hardest part is removing the oil pan (since it is a 2 piece seal, removal of the tranny isn't necessary). If you aren't lifted, you'll need to let the axle droop to get to it
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 4,440
Likes: 3
From: Seal Beach, CA
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO Straight Six
Originally Posted by PetrolHead
I have to second this. Mine had what appeared to be a RMS leak, but when my starter died, I noticed how caked with gunk the oil filter adapter, starter, side of the engine and oil pan were. I replaced my starter and while I was there, I replaced the o-ring on the oil filter adapter. Took it to a quarter car wash and blasted off all the gunk on the side of the engine and below. It's been over a month since I replaced that o-ring and it's still sparkly underneath and not a trace of oil. I'm still amazed...now I'm trying to figure out how to keep it from leaking!
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