YJ: Pinion oil Seal Dana 30

[Roger]

I need to replace my pinion oil seal on the front axle. I went online to see the availability and was surprised at the huge variation of price. I know the old adage "you get what you pay for."

Morris4x4.com:$3.99 (+shipping) Didn't give a brand name

Napa:$17.55 (Napa Brand)

AutoZone: $39.99 (Timken) and $18.99 (Also a Timken)

Any recommendations?

[RAT]

Roger,
I know you don't want to hear this but the Timken seal is the best one by far. It is heavy duty and has a solid dust shield. I have them in both axles and no leaks in over three years. Here is a link to the the Napa part. It says its for a D44 but it fits the D30 as well. The D30 seal has the same ID and OD as this one, and is slightly thicker. The D30 seal is only $10 but like I said, the one below is bomb proof.
http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/Ca...791_0240576184

[aw12345]

The timken one is expensive, but a much better quality seal. The cheap ones have a very soft sealing lip[ and a weak spring.
Also be careful tightening the yoke back up.

[RAT]

Also be careful tightening the yoke back up.

Yep, fer sure

[Roger]

Not true Kurt. If It's a one time purchase that will last, then it is worth it. I've replaced the gasket twice on my transmission and it's leaking so my son found one that is much better quality and should last.

After owning two Jeeps and knowing the tough stuff we put them through, I don't want to skimp. Thanks for the tip on using a D-44 seal. That's the kind of info you just can't readily find!

Thanks Art on the caution about tightening the yolk back up.

[RAT]

One other suggestion. Since you say it is leaking repeatedly it may be that the sealing surface on the yoke is worn (has a groove in it) from the seal. Check that by running your fingernail across the surface that the seal rides on from front to back. If your fingernail catches on anything you have wear. there is a Speedy Sleeve available to repair this. Here it is:
http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/Ca...155_0240576188

[Roger]

I'll check it, but I didn't say it was leaking repeatedly. I was referring to my Transmission pan gasket failing and I want to do the axle repair right the first time!

[Lumpy Grits]

Mark the pinion nut and the yoke. Remove the nut. Now, put a mark on the pinion spline next to the yoke mark.
These will be how you put it back together.
Tighten the nut to just go past the yoke mark, a hair is all.
Use Permatex sealer on the yoke splines to keep oil from get'n past.
Coat the seal lip with oil and the same for the yoke before you re-install it.
Mark the p/nut on to the yoke with paint so you know if the nut moves.
You'll need a puller for the yoke.
LG