rubiconjk09

I installed a set of Nitros axle shafts in my 09 Rubicon and the drive side had a leak after the install. These axles come ready to bolt in, everything is pressed on. So after a couple of days, the seal started to leak. I checked everything and re installed them again and started to leak again. Went down to my local shop and had new seal and bearings pressed on. Now its leaking again. It did not leak before I installed the new axle shafts. What am I missing?

Biggy

Is it leaking a lot of just a bit. It might just be some oil in the tube as a result of the install so I would just keep cleaning it up for awhile and keep an eye on the different fluid.

14JKU

Was silicon sealant used on the outside of the bearing race when installing? If you don't it will eventually leak.

rubiconjk09

It's leaking enough to drip down the tire. I have cleaned it several times and it continues to leak.

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rubiconjk09

I have not heard of this?? Has anyone else done this? It makes sense to me ...

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ronjenx

He's talking about the rear axle bearing. There should always be some oil in the rear axle tube. Otherwise, the bearing would run dry and fail.

No need to put silicone sealant on the outside of the bearing race. Even if you did, the oil will go through the bearing rollers anyway, as it's supposed to.

rubiconjk09,
The problem may be the axle shaft isn't smooth where the seal rides on it, or the axle shaft isn't concentric with the seal.
Are you sure the seal is installed with the open side toward the differential?
There is always the possibility what you are seeing is brake fluid leaking.

rubiconjk09

It's leaking the same way has the nitros installed seal and the Yukon seal I had installed by my local jeep shop. Dripping down to the tire. It's not brake fluid, when I removed the rotor it's leaking from the axle shaft and it smells like diff fluid. Could something be wrong with the retaining bracket. The inner axle housing was cleaned and was smooth. Also, it never leaked with the factory stock shafts.

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