axle seal replacement question about bearing races.

S

srivera2010

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Bristol VA

• Dec 7, 2014

• #1

After installing my lift kit on the xj I noticed the passenger side axle had been leaking. I went ahead and removed my axles, gears, and seals and will be reinstalling tomorrow. Is it ok to reuse everything minus the seals. I was wondering if new bearing races need to be installed or anything else? Any help is appreciated. thanks

 

Talyn

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Radford, Communistwealth of Virginia

• Dec 8, 2014

• #2

If the bearing and races are good reuse them.

 

CompleteCherokee

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Acworth, GA

• Dec 16, 2014

• #3

I've always followed the idea that if I'm in there, I might as well replace anything else that can wear. If the bearings and races are relatively new, then I tend not to worry. Otherwise, replace.

 

Talyn

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Radford, Communistwealth of Virginia

• Dec 17, 2014

• #4

With so many new parts being complete crap I work along the lines of if its in good condition, leave it.

 

P

Prom3theus

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Cleveland

• Dec 17, 2014

• #5

As I know, bearings usually go bad from lack of lubrication or excessive heat, if bearings are fine, I'd also reuse them. I would only replace them in case of an axle overhaul, and only with a good quality brand like skf or Timken (even though I hear Timken only makes bearings for heavy machinery and the auto ones they sell as Timken are rebranded).

 

W

winterbeater

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Royal Oak, Michigan

• Dec 19, 2014

• #6

Talyn said:

With so many new parts being complete crap I work along the lines of if its in good condition, leave it.

Click to expand...

I definitely agree with this concept in general. Prove it bad before you replace it with some unknown Chinese made part.

BUT....every time I've had an axle seal leak, the bearing WAS bad. Usually the axle too. Check them closely.