My rear axel (Dana 35) is leaking and I have to at least change the seal, a quick question do I need to remove the bearing to replace the seal?

I have gotten the full bearing kit from Quadratec.

The only tool I don't have is a slide hammer and was advised if I remove the four bolts from the back plate and put the wheel back on - then use a hammer to hit the wheel I should get the axel out - this work?

 

What year are you working on? 99 and newer use a cartridge bearing and earlier ones have c-clips in the differential section that hold the axles in and have roller bearings.

 

Sorry forgot to post year it's a 2003

 

The outer seal is sandwiched I. Between the rear hub and the bearing. Yes you need to replace the bearing to change the seam. Your kit should come with a seal, bearing and retainer that will need to be "pressed on" the axle shaft. You can take the rotor off, flip it around so that it is backwards and then put it on the hub with all 5 lug nuts. Then pull a few times and the axle should come out

 

Thanks

Actually just noticed I may need a press to put the bearing on also been advised that I could push it on using a length of correct diameter pipe or just go to a shop and have them push it onto the shaft.....

 

Yes, that's true and the pipe works as long as it's clean. You can remove the collar by drilling it from the side most of the way thru, then cracking it with a chisel. Getting the bearing off is the hard part. Don't try to crack it off! Hardened steel at high velocity can kill!

Two things; remember to install the seal on the axle before the bearing. Sounds stupid, I know, but some people DO forget! 2; Do BOTH sides for peace of mind. Do you want to do this again soon?

 

Thanks

Last question do I need to remove the speed sensor? Seen a video on YouTube and they said to take out the speed sensor before removing the shaft

 

If you're talking about the ABS sensor, you might have to dismount it. IDK for sure, my mechanic did it while I tried to stay out of his way. You'll have to take apart the parking brake shoes and hardware anyway. Clue; if you do both sides, do one side at a time so you can refer to the other side for parts location.

 

I also have a 2003 WJ with a Dana 35, some years back it developed a leak which continued after installing new (aftermarket) seals. I ended up installing OEM seals which resolved the problem. I hope this doesn't happen to you, however, I wanted to give you a "heads up" in case it it does.

 

There are 2 main reasons seals leak. The first is a worn bearing that allows the axle to vibrate off center. The second is a groove gets worn in the axle where the seal rides. This applies to any shaft with a bearing and seal combination. The groove usually happens where dirt is allowed to accumulate around it.

And sometimes the seal itself get hard or torn from temperature or poor construction. I've found several replacement seals that have been redesigned with a double lip instead of a single one because the original design wore out too quickly. Axle seals are one such place this is common.