Big Black Truck

Hi, I am looking for some help here as I am not technical at all and dont really want to run it to a main dealer in the UK as they are very expensive even to diagnose whats wrong with the car.

I noticed a few drops of oil on the drive this week and had a look underneath. Basically the rear axle is leaking where it meets the drive shaft? Sorry I may have the desciption wrong, I did say I wasnt technical. Anyway, here are some photos of the problem. Any help in deciding to ignore it and it will last ok or whether it needs to be seen immediately and likely diagnosis and costs would be appreciated.

Many Thanks

Big Black Truck

ol"blue

That's the rear axle pinion seal that's leaking. If left alone the axle will lose fluid and cause damage. Pinion bearing, ring & pinion gears, carrier bearings, and wheel bearings all could fail.

Big Black Truck

Thanks for that Ol"blue. I take it from that that I should get it fixed straightaway?

Is it just the rear axle pinion seal part that will be needed or are there any other parts?

Finally, is it a big job for a garage to do in terms of cost or hours - any ideas what bill I will be looking at?


Thanks

Big Black Truck

spietrzak_pee*pee

From the looks of it all youll need is a pinion seal. Just be sure to torque it back down. I found out tje hard way with using a impact gun and it didnt tighten it down enough came loose and ate up my rearend.

ol"blue

If it just recently started leaking there shouldn't be any damage.
To repair involves:
*Mark rear universal joint yoke and pinion flange to reinstall in same position to maintain balance.
Remove the four bolts holding rear universal joint yoke onto pinion flange;
Check for excess play between flange and axle housing, either up & down or in & out to check for signs of pinion bearing wear. Excess wear must be addressed.
Remove large nut and pinion flange;
Remove pinion seal.
Install seal;
Install pinion flange and nut and tighten to correct torque;
Install universal joint yoke onto flange observing balance marks made before removal;
Tighten four yoke-to-pinion flange bolts.
Pull plug on differential cover and check fluid level. It should be at the bottom of the hole with plug removed.

I don't know what a garage would charge to do this, specially in the UK.

Big Black Truck

Thanks for your help on this guys, very useful. Cheers

Big Black Truck

Thanks for your advice on this. I had it fixed today by my local Jeep dealer for $175 approx which seemed a good price. Anyway the leak has gone!!

ol"blue

Glad to hear you've gotten it fixed. That's not a bad price for a dealer repair.