How do I replace a rear axle seal on Dana 44?

Mino · 03-31-2009, 03:35 PM

I noticed a small amount of fluid leaking from my rear passenger side drum the other day and initially thought it was brake fluid. Well there's no brake fluid loss from the master cylinder so I'm guessing a leaky axle seal is the problem. How would I go about changing this seal? I believe I read that there is a bearing on the shaft that would require special tools to remove. I also believe I read that there is an inner and outer axle seal on the shafts. Is this something I could do with regular tools? I'm no mechanic but I did install my lift and SYE kit amongst other things. Thanks.

**Jerry Bransford** · 03-31-2009, 03:38 PM

Here you go... http://www.stu-offroad.com/axle/d44/d44-1.htm

When replacing the seal, you'll need to replace the bearing too. No real special tools are needed other than the bearings and bearing retainer will need to be pressed on using a shop press which any machine shop can do for you.

**mudb8** · 03-31-2009, 09:44 PM

you may only need to put a bead of silicone around the seal, the bearing and seal amount to around 40 bucks, each side.

Mino · 04-03-2009, 10:51 PM

Thanks for the response guys. I'm really thinking I can do this job myself and save myself the labor costs.

thejafe · 04-03-2009, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mino

Thanks for the response guys. I'm really thinking I can do this job myself and save myself the labor costs.

It's a piece of cake, really. For me the hardest part was removing the brake rotor

. Damn thing just wouldn't budge.

In regards to having the bearing / seal / retainer pressed on... my local truck supply shop did it for under $30.

huskerjeeper · 05-17-2009, 09:42 PM

just to clarify my front passenger side axle shaft has developed a trickle of fluid onto the hub assembly to correct this issue i'll need to replace the seals inner and outer correct?

the seal in the diff housing and the one at the end of the axle tube left and right sides or just leaky side?

**mudb8** · 05-17-2009, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by huskerjeeper

just to clarify my front passenger side axle shaft has developed a trickle of fluid onto the hub assembly to correct this issue i'll need to replace the seals inner and outer correct?

the seal in the diff housing and the one at the end of the axle tube left and right sides or just leaky side?

the front has inner seals only.. you get to pull the axles and carrier to change those ones... the outers are dust boots.

huskerjeeper · 05-17-2009, 09:55 PM

good i can leave the bearings as they are then

Good news less work = Happier camper

**mudb8** · 05-18-2009, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by huskerjeeper

good i can leave the bearings as they are then

Good news less work = Happier camper

lol, not quite.. if you have a front axle seal leaking, thats about the most work you could possibly have to go through to change a seal..

**ItsaFinRubicon** · 10-08-2010, 11:04 AM

so if i bought superior axle seals from quadratec (quadratec.com link).... i sill need another out seal or inner seal?

solarpower · 10-08-2010, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ItsaFinRubicon

so if i bought superior axle seals from quadratec (quadratec.com link).... i sill need another out seal or inner seal?

the front only has seals that are inner..or located at the housing.
Those superior "seals" are to keep stuff from getting in your axle tubes and mount at the ends of your tubes.

They are not really axle seals.

Sampson104 · 08-10-2011, 06:02 AM

Guys, any idea of approx labor time for rear axle seals at a dealer, 03 TJ?

Thanks in advance...

Robert J. yates · 08-10-2011, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mudb8

you may only need to put a bead of silicone around the seal....

This. Its an easy driveway fix that can be done in an hour or less without any special tools or the need to pull and replace a perfectly good bearing. We use RTV around all of these seals now... its actually a pretty common problem.

Sampson104 · 08-11-2011, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert J. yates

This. Its an easy driveway fix that can be done in an hour or less without any special tools or the need to pull and replace a perfectly good bearing. We use RTV around all of these seals now... its actually a pretty common problem.

So you recommend cleaning the outer seal area from residual oils and RTV the immediate area? Will these contain the leak for awhile or is this a permanent fix that should be good for year(s)?

The reason I ask is I had the rearend rebuilt, new bearings seals etc... from a local guy who cut me a deal and I think he did the job without cutting corners but this drip is not a huge issue but if I can plug it Id rather go this route rather than make a big deal out of it...

Thanks agiain for your time

ram03 · 10-09-2011, 04:06 PM

I have a 98 wrangler and the driver side wheel seal is wet and the same wheel smells after awhile of driving. Can someone help by telling me how to fix it and what is involved if i have to replace the seal?

I see someone said they use RTV on there seals so I was wondering what it is? I also seen someone say about silicone on the seal and how long does this last and is it the silicone you by from Lowes in a calk tube and doe you still have to replace the seal.

Please help me and thank you for your time.