*sigh*... can I do this myself?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
*sigh*... can I do this myself?
So in light of the information I've gained from the other thread I posted, it seems my rear end needs some work. I figured start with bearings and u joint and a fluid change and see what happens.
My question is, if it turns out that I need to replace the carrier bearing or god @#$%ing forbid the gears themselves, how technical is this level of repair? The most technical I have done myself was replacing suspension, power steering pump, alternator, plugs, shocks, etc... seemingly minor things compared to this... but I do have a full set of tools at my disposal.
Every place I have called has quoted me $500-700 just in labor for replacing the carrier bearing alone. And I'm not even sure if that's the problem. What I know at this point is that the howling that is coming from the rear has been there since we bought the jeep at 105k miles, and has not increased or decreased in noise level since we have put another 50k miles on it.
My question is, if it turns out that I need to replace the carrier bearing or god @#$%ing forbid the gears themselves, how technical is this level of repair? The most technical I have done myself was replacing suspension, power steering pump, alternator, plugs, shocks, etc... seemingly minor things compared to this... but I do have a full set of tools at my disposal.
Every place I have called has quoted me $500-700 just in labor for replacing the carrier bearing alone. And I'm not even sure if that's the problem. What I know at this point is that the howling that is coming from the rear has been there since we bought the jeep at 105k miles, and has not increased or decreased in noise level since we have put another 50k miles on it.
CF Veteran
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 13,952
Likes: 17
Model: Cherokee
You'll need the following tools
Dial indicator and magnetic base
Inch Pound torque wrench
Foot Pound torque wrench (250 lb)
Shop Press (12 ton)
Clamshell bearing puller
Adjuster Tool (if you have an 8.25" axle)
Hand tools
Micrometer or Dial/Digital Vernier Caliper.....
Lots to buy and not really worth the investment if you're not 100% sure that new bearings will fix your problem.
Dial indicator and magnetic base
Inch Pound torque wrench
Foot Pound torque wrench (250 lb)
Shop Press (12 ton)
Clamshell bearing puller
Adjuster Tool (if you have an 8.25" axle)
Hand tools
Micrometer or Dial/Digital Vernier Caliper.....
Lots to buy and not really worth the investment if you're not 100% sure that new bearings will fix your problem.
Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Replacing the carrier bearings is not for the novice. There are a lot of things that can be done wrong that will ruin the gears and the new bearings.
If you want to see what is involved look in your FSM or look in knowledge base at http://www.jeep4x4center.com/knowled...ex.htm#service
FrankZ had it right there are a lot of special tools needed.
A Junk yard replacement may be your best option. If you have a D35 then you may want to upgrade to the 8.25. Unless you have ABS then you need to keep the D35.
If you want to see what is involved look in your FSM or look in knowledge base at http://www.jeep4x4center.com/knowled...ex.htm#service
FrankZ had it right there are a lot of special tools needed.
A Junk yard replacement may be your best option. If you have a D35 then you may want to upgrade to the 8.25. Unless you have ABS then you need to keep the D35.
Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 207
Likes: 1
From: Lubbock, Tx.
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Personally, I would let someone else do it. If anything, this gives you a good excuse to upgrade to a 8.25 or D44.
It's a shame though...I couldn't give away my D35 with 60k miles. I ended up scrapping it.
It's a shame though...I couldn't give away my D35 with 60k miles. I ended up scrapping it.