How to Change a 1998 Jeep Wrangler Pinion Seal

A worn or damaged pinion seal on your 1998 Jeep Wrangler will allow gear oil to leak around the pinion shaft and sling oil all over the bottom of your Jeep, as well as leave a nasty stain everywhere you park it. The circular seal is comprised of a steel outer ring that presses into the axle housing and a rubber seal on the inside of the steel ring that seals against the pinion shaft. You can purchase a new pinion seal for your Jeep at most auto parts stores or the Jeep dealership’s parts counter.

Things You'll Need

• Jack
• Jack stands
• Wrench set
• Socket set
• Breaker bar
• Pinion yoke puller
• Ratchet
• Torque wrench

Instructions

1. Position a jack under the axle housing of the Jeep and raise it off the ground. Position a set of jack stands under the frame and remove the jack, allowing the jack stands to support the weight of the Jeep.

2. Locate the four mounting bolts that secure the rear of the propeller or drive shaft to the pinion yoke on the axle. Remove the bolts with a wrench and set them aside. Drop the drive shaft out of the yoke and position it out of the way.

3. Remove the pinion nut from the pinion shaft in the center of the pinion yoke. The nut is torqued to about 200 foot-pounds, so you will need to keep the yoke from turning while you remove it. Have someone hold the brakes for you or use a par in the yoke itself and rotate the nut counterclockwise with a socket and large breaker bar.

4. Remove the pinion yoke from the pinion shaft using a pinion yoke puller. If you do not have a puller, you can rent one at many auto parts stores. The puller is a round plate with multiple holes in it. Attach the plate to the yoke and thread the propeller shaft bolts through the plate and into the yoke. Inset the center screw into the plate and turn it clockwise with a socket. This will force the yoke off the shaft.

5. Pry the seal out of the axle housing with a small flat pry bar and discard it. Line up the new seal so that it is square to the hole and place a large socket over the shaft so it rests on the outer edges of the seal. Drive the seal squarely into the housing with a large hammer.

6. Reinstall the pinion yoke, sliding it as far onto the shaft as you can. Reinstall the pinion nut and washer on the shaft and tighten them with a socket, slowly drawing the yoke into the seal.

7. Torque the pinion nut to 200 foot-pounds with a torque wrench. You may need someone to step on the brake pedal again in order to torque the nut.

8. Reinstall the propeller shaft or drive shaft into the pinion yoke and tighten the bolts with a wrench. Position your jack back under the Jeep and raise it off the jack stands. Remove the jack stands and lower the Jeep to the ground.

References

• "1997 to 2006 Jeep Wrangler Factory Service Manual;" DaimlerChrysler, Corp.; 2006