I have a 2003 jeep liberty with a leaky rear pinion seal, Can I just remove the drive shaft, yoke nut, u-joint yoke, replace seal, then re-install without needing to remove the diff cover?
Can i change a pinion seal w/out needing to %26quot;set up%26quot; the differential?
The first two answers are wrong. I used to work at a Chrysler dealership (as a licensed tech) and you do not have to remove the diff cover. Remember you need to tighten the pinion nut to 210 ft. lbs. You need to get a rotating torque of the pinion with an inch pound torqe wrench before removal of the nut. After install your new reading should be above that by an additional 5 in. lbs. If the reading is not correct (too low) just tighten the nut in increments of 5 ft. lbs. until you get the desired rotating torque. Never loosen the nut to achieve it (you will need to replace the collapsible spacer). This info is straight from Chrysler, hope it helps.
Can i change a pinion seal w/out needing to %26quot;set up%26quot; the differential?
no, never, and remember to use a NEW pinion nut cause its a locknut, once a locknut is removed, its not a locknut anymore
no, u can't, setting up the differential is easy. Always read procedures, google images, buy repair manuals
Yes, You do not need to remove the Diff cover for any reason at all.
You will need a seal driver or a deep well socket the same size as the seal to install it without damaging it. Once you have replace the seal make sure that the pinion Nut is Secure, It's always a good idea to use a grease pen to mark the nut and it position after it's tight. this is to insure that later during service you can make sure that it hasn't moved.
Ansd don't forget the most important step, and that to make sure that you refill the Differential with lube. All that work and no oil added makes a bad day worse.
So have at it. you shouldn't have any problems at all.
that's how we replace the in the shop. but before u do all that work how bad is it leaking. I have seen very few leak bad enough to add gear lube on a weekly most on a regular oil change also look at the vent on the axle housing it may be plugged an causing the seal to leak
The correct technical answer is No. However I've changed alot of them without doing set up. Use loctight when i reuse pinion nut and tighten to the same or just a hair tighter than when removed. If the nut isn't tight on disassemble then it needs tear down and inspect.
no
