Jeep: Leaky Pinion Seal

I noticed an oil spot under the rear of the Jeep. I started investigating the location by following the oil path. The pinion seal appeared to be leaking.

Leaky Pinion

One of the first things that I noticed was the amount of gear oil leaking from the pinion seal. The fill hole was greased over making me think that this had not been filled in a while. The fresh leak was probably caused by me driving it after having it sit for a few years.

Seal Removal

I don’t own the tools to set the torque properly when reinstalling the pinion nut so that it crushes the new seal properly. I used a paint marker to show the position of the nut relative to the yoke. I also counted the number of exposed threads starting at the nut.

I had to get creative to get the pinion nut loose. I used a chain to hold my pipe wrench in place so that I could use both hands on the ratchet to get the pinion nut off. This actually worked.

I installed a new seal and cranked the nut down to expose the same number of threads and realign with the yoke mark again.

Note: After two years it still isn’t leaking.

• cj5
• jeep
• mechanical