2009 Unlimited Rubicon - Leaking fron axle

M

myrddin

Member
Hwy folks, I am gathering parts for some work I need to get out of the way on my JKUR. While inspecting my ball joints I found that my front axle has a leak on the passenger side (going to check the dif. fluid tonight). I am guessing the inner seal is gone (I know bent axle is possible). I want to order the parts and do this job myself. Can you folks that have had more experience help me locate the right parts?

2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon

I would like to order from Amazon, just because I pay for prime and I try to use it any chance I get...

1. Should I get the aftermarket outer seal? Or is it just a gimmick?
2. what is the part number for the inner seal?

I found these so far:
Synergy Manufacturing 8009-13 Jeep Dana 30/44 Inner Axle Seals
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IMJCLTY?keywords=Dana%2044%20%2F%2030%20Inner%20Axle%20Seal&qid=1454091410&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

Stock Outer:
Is this the pinion seal? I don't see one that says outer (looking up some how to threads now).

Aftermarket outer:
Motive Gear / Midwest Truck MG21103
http://www.amazon.com/Motive-Gear-Midwest-Truck-MG21103/dp/B005TDN2TO/ref=sr_1_5?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1454091696&sr=1-5&keywords=jk+axle+seal
 
myrddin said:
Hwy folks, I am gathering parts for some work I need to get out of the way on my JKUR. While inspecting my ball joints I found that my front axle has a leak on the passenger side (going to check the dif. fluid tonight). I am guessing the inner seal is gone (I know bent axle is possible). I want to order the parts and do this job myself. Can you folks that have had more experience help me locate the right parts?

2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon

I would like to order from Amazon, just because I pay for prime and I try to use it any chance I get...

1. Should I get the aftermarket outer seal? Or is it just a gimmick?
2. what is the part number for the inner seal?

I found these so far:
Synergy Manufacturing 8009-13 Jeep Dana 30/44 Inner Axle Seals
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IMJCLTY?keywords=Dana%2044%20%2F%2030%20Inner%20Axle%20Seal&qid=1454091410&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

Stock Outer:
Is this the pinion seal? I don't see one that says outer (looking up some how to threads now).

Aftermarket outer:
Motive Gear / Midwest Truck MG21103
http://www.amazon.com/Motive-Gear-Midwest-Truck-MG21103/dp/B005TDN2TO/ref=sr_1_5?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1454091696&sr=1-5&keywords=jk+axle+seal
Click to expand...

With the work involved in doing the axle seals, I would go with OEM seals, that's just me. I always try to use oem parts with bigger jobs.

I have no experience with those aftermarket outer seals, but to me, it seems un-necessary. I do not believe there are STOCK outer seals, I don't think any outer seal is used from the factory, but I could be wrong. Either way, the outer seal has nothing to do with fluid retention.

The pinion seal is a completely different seal all together.
 
Last edited:
No outer "Seal". But there is a outer "shield" that is near the joint of the axle shafts. Good in theory, but really not needed.

Reason for tube being open is not trap anything in there. Being open allows water and crud to work itself back out eventually. Put an outer seal on there and what does get in stays in or has a more difficult time working its way back out. That's my way of thinking anyway.
 
myrddin said:
doesn't look like it has a driver and passenger part number... you think this is it?

Mopar 5014852AB Front Axle Seal
http://www.amazon.com/Mopar-5014852AB-Front-Axle-Seal/dp/B0049EJ9M8/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1454094250&vehicle=2009-42-356-1388--9-6-8-8225-2448-1-2--104-1-0&sr=1-1&ymm=2009%3Ajeep%3Awrangler&keywords=5014852AB

So no outer seal... what keeps mud and other junk from getting in... seems odd.

found this:
http://www.stu-offroad.com/axle/usaseal/usaseal-1.htm
Click to expand...

I would verify with your local parts dept the correct part #, even if you do buy that part elsewhere. Just to be safe. I believe the same seal can be used on either side, been awhile since I've done them. They are a little bit of a pain in the ass, fyi.

The inner seal keeps your diff fluid in and keeps crap out. If you go through water crossings a lot, sure, maybe those outer seals help, but really, once you come out of a water crossing, the water runs right back out of your axle tubes anyway, it's not like the water just sits in there.
 
if you suspect your axle is bent, replacing the seal will be a short term fix.
make sure your axle is not bent before investing time and money to fix it
 
Good idea, need to look up how to do that, guessing a straight edge along the tube? Looking.

I would be really surprised if it were bent... But I know it's a possible cause of leaky seals.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom