Replacing the Front Inner Axle Seals on a '99 XJ Dana 30 Axle. I made it at TechShop.™

After taking my comanche wheeling in Pismo Beach I noticed a small puddle gathering around the base of both my front tires. Some checking of the brakes and brake lines revealed that the actual culprit was diff fluid leaking from the ends of the axle tubes. My inner axle seals were shot.

ALL WORK IN THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTABLE WAS PERFORMED AT TECHSHOP IN SAN JOSE, CA

I made it at TechShop.™

To get more information on TechShop and TechShop locations, visit: http://www.techshop.ws/

Step 1: Remove The Wheels, Calipers and Wheel Spacers

After jacking up the front end, the first step in the process was to remove the wheels and the front break calipers. Be careful, when removing the calipers, to not let them drop as they could pull loose the break lines. After removing them from the rotos, we placed them on top of the control arms. We also removed my wheel spacers which were holding on the rotors.

Comments

[johnny_crapcakes]

Great instructable! IMHO the outer seals were the most important thing for the reader to take away from this. They are infinitely easier to change than the inner seals... It's almost a "why didn't the factory do this?" thing! I imagine someone swamping with bad inner seals could just as easily get some aggregate -inside- the differential and possibly lunch the ring & pinion.

[kwintisolo12234]

'Murica!

[Rainh2o]

You can also press the new seals in by using a socket and a long extension or pipe. find a socket that fits the seals (cant remember what size i used) and then place it over the seals like you did with the tool you made in the picture and then drive them in gently the same way. Helps to have someone who can watch was is happening to hold the socket or work the hammer to press them in. Great Instructible! Same process on a Wrangler TJ

[Husafan]

Thanks! From what I read on the web, a 1-7/16 socket is the size to use. We went the homemade route because we thought it'd be cheaper. Dunno if that's actually the case. :) Also, +1 to your comment about having another person. I had a couple of friends helping and it makes all the difference!