First off, I think that this is an issue but having little exp. with my first XJ i'll ask.

Both sides of the rear axle seem to be leaking. I took the wheels and break drums off. The driver's side is all wet looking and sticky, The passenger side is dry but you can see that it is also leaking. Pics

D-Side drum


D-side axle leak


P-side axle leak, dry on the breaks though


Ideas. So am I looking at tearing out the axles and putting in new seals ?

Thanks,
James

 

Looks like it is time. Better replace the wheel bearings while you are at it.

 

*sigh, parts list keeps getting longer.

Well off to get my CDL.

James

 

James,

you don't need to drop the big cash on new bearings or seals. the beauty of the D44 is that it is a non "C"lip axle. Look at the end of your axle shaft where the wheel studs are. You will see a hole. This hole is to put your socket and extention through to remove the 4 nuts holding your axle in. You have to turn the axle by hand to line each nut up to get it off. Once you have all 4 nuts removed, give the axle a good healthy tug. It will come out. clean up the end of the axle tube and cap mating surfaces and put some silicon sealer on it and put it back together and torque the nuts. It's that simple to get it to stop leaking and all you need to buy is a tube of sealant. If you already have some then it's free. Don't forget to pull the plug on your diff. cover and top off your axle oil level if you lost any.

 

k, headed back to the parts store. Thanks Brian.

Oh quick question, did the fuel tank pump and now I am seeing wetness around that ring, would the silicon sealer be the right sealer for that job as well ?

 

No try to reposition the o ring on the pump, or replace it. Fuel cuts through sealent pretty well. I tried it and it failed.

 

James, Bobby is right. It's all about getting the metal ring and the "O" ring gasket situated right. You don't want to put any kind of sealant anywhere around gas...Gasoline will turn it to mush.

 

what year of jeeps have that d44? I have a 92 HO laredo and I have a blown axle seal