I was removing the 2pc CAD axle out of my 1990 XJ and replacing the inner axle oil seals while I was at it. Watched a bunch of video(s) on it and saw everything and anything used to install the seals except for this seal press that I found on Amazon by chance. I hate hammering on seals so I gave it a try and for the $40 to my door I was very happy with it. It was worth the money spent just to avoid trying to find broom sticks, tubing or other things to shove thru the axles and then hoping I don't destroy the first seal put in...IMHO.
Short video of installing the passenger side seal:
The disco eliminator seal is highly prone to fail. I have had to replace them multible times. The lip of the seal is very fragile, a single verses a double lip and the lack of the cone to guide the axle on install of axle is a fatal flaw.
For best results use a modified to fit driver side seal on the passenger side. you get a beefier seal lip and the all important cone.
That is my experience, many others have had problems with this seal, the seal is not designed for this application, unlike the driver side.
If your diff is not assembled yet, STOP, remove that failure prone seal and install a modified seal, as in the link. If it is already assembled, well, go ahead and buy the seal and modify it and make the adaptor cause that seal you installed will leak, you will need to replace it.
Link Here for modified seal..... https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f67/mo...l-seal-262413/
That is my experience, many others have had problems with this seal, the seal is not designed for this application, unlike the driver side.
If your diff is not assembled yet, STOP, remove that failure prone seal and install a modified seal, as in the link. If it is already assembled, well, go ahead and buy the seal and modify it and make the adaptor cause that seal you installed will leak, you will need to replace it.
Looks like I should have searched a little longer & harder on the CAD delete. Unfortunately the diff is back together, double unfortunately the 1 piece axle is a CV type that came with the XJ when I bought it...so I was like what the heck lets try it. When it breaks or leaks I'll pull it apart again and get some normal axles with U joints on them AND have an adapter made. Finally I have an excuse to buy a mini lathe. Not sure if my wife will buy that story...but I'll try none the less.
Thanks for the heads up!!! I'm new to this whole off-road thing, haven't made it past the ditch in my back yard yet w/my brother-in-law & I playing and figuring things out. I'd rather break down in the backyard than on a trail or at a 4x4 park.
Bumping this thread for a related question. I did some searches online but can't find the answer.. Suppose the seal is installed and the diff cover already put back. Now you want to insert the passenger side axle. How do you go about doing that without damaging the seal? Do I have to buy one of those? If yes, what don't they list XJs?
Bumping this thread for a related question. I did some searches online but can't find the answer.. Suppose the seal is installed and the diff cover already put back. Now you want to insert the passenger side axle. How do you go about doing that without damaging the seal? Do I have to buy one of those? If yes, what don't they list XJs?
With the CAD on my axle I was able to use that access point to help guide the axle in very carefully. With the cover off you can get it right up close and help guide it in with two people. If it is a factory coned seal then it is pretty easy to guide in your self. I've never used the axle guide tool you linked to. Just go slow, be patient & feel what you are doing. If it isn't going in fairly smooth then you are probably not quite lined up with the seal, try again. The seal isn't crazy fragile but you don't want to let the weight of the axle just crush the rubber for any amount of time either. (personally I'd take the cover back off)
I am in the process of replacing the ujoint on the passenger side axle. Not planning on replacing the passenger side axle seal just yet. So that's why I was asking about how to insert the axle back in there without damaging the seal. I actually did not realize the passenger side seal had a cone shape (newbie you know). But sure, with the diff cover off, it'd be definitely easier and a safer bet to avoid damaging it.
I just did my passenger side u-joint a few weeks ago on the 89 with the CAD. I had to pull the cover on the CAD to reinstall the axle, as the shift fork falls out of place. It also needed a guide onto the little bearing on the tip of the inner shaft.
Yeah. I actually just purchased a similar tool that the OP posted, including a pair of new seals and some chromoly axles. Already received the axles. Waiting for the rest. Will install all of this stuff and will keep my old stock axles as spares in the trunk. Excited!