The picture below is what the mechanic at the dealership wrote out for me with everything that needs fixed. All can fix/live with most of it but I was wonder about the left front axel seal. I did a quick search of the forums but couldn't find any answers about it. The only thing I am worried about is the axel seal. The inner seal is the one that needs replaced and I am just wondering if I can just replace the seal instead of replacing the whole hub like I saw on a parts website? Thanks.

PS oh and if you have any suggestions on what the mechanic wrote, I'll take anything you have to give.

 

An axle seal is simple to replace and costs about 4 bucks at the parts store.

http://naxja.net/forum/showthread.php?t=937821

The hub/axle assembly has to come out but no need to replace it.

All I see on that list is basic maintenance, a brake job and pinion seal (Which is also simple).

You should be able to knock out everything on this list in one afternoon by yourself for less than 100 bucks.

Feel free to ask all the questions you'd like.

 

The inner axle seal has nothing to do with the hub and is a very involved process. It involves removing both hubs, removing both axle shafts and removing the differential carrier. After which you can get to the inner axle seals. I would suggest help with the diff portion if you haven't done it before and you NEED a torque wrench for re-assembly.

 

Obviously, your opinion of "Very involved" and my opinion of "very involved" differ quite a lot.

 

I am debating on pushing this job off till spring will there be any issues if I choose to use the 4WD.

 

If it's leaking oil/lube, then water can get in.

 

Not at all, I was basing my comment on my impression that the OP is a newbie and doesn't have the mechanical expertise that some of us do

 

That may be true but you have to start somewhere.

Remove 24 bolts and 10 nuts, replace seals, re-install the 24 bolts and 10 nuts and you're done.

 

It usually takes about an hour to do, 2 if you live in Michigan and have to use the hot wrench to get the hub bolts out!

 

With a front axle seal leaking you'll need to keep track of the lube level in the front differential. Otherwise, you can use 4WD (if it works).

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It's hard to read that nose picker's scribbling, but I think he mentioned the front brakes. You should have all the brakes checked/repaired before driving the Heep too much. Also, inspect the brake lines for corrosion.

The engine oil leak may be something you want to tackle yourself, unless it's a rear main seal leaking. Generally, the valve cover gasket will be shot at 130,495 miles.

'Search' the forum for any task you want to take on yourself, otherwise if you can't find it using the search function post a thread asking about it.

Ref. front axle inner seals: Like it has been mentioned, both axles will need to be removed. Expect to destroy both front bearing units in the process, or at least find that they should be replaced if they've never been replaced in the last 134K miles. The same thing with the front axle u-joints. (I've been through three bearing unit sets and three u-joint sets in the last 135K miles on my '99).

If this is your fist XJ and plan on working on it yourself, you'll need to buy a factory service manual for it.

 

Quote: "If this is your fist [sic] XJ and plan on working on it yourself, you'll need to buy a factory service manual for it."

Better stock up on cases of beer too.

 

Yea I was planning on knocking out the breaks when I did the seal. I have access to all the needed tools plus some as well as a family full of motorcycle mechanics. So I'll get them to lend a hand.