drivetrain

Axle Seal - Front

for 2012 Jeep Wrangler 3.6L V6 · 4WD

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

2.0 h

Tools

Steps

Replace the front axle shaft seal on a 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler 3.6L V6 4WD to prevent differential fluid leakage from the axle housing.

Warnings

⚠The front differential will drain when the axle shaft is removed. Have a drain pan ready and expect fluid loss.

⚠Never reuse the axle nut. A new nut must be installed and properly staked to prevent loosening.

ℹ️Work on a level surface and ensure the vehicle is properly supported before getting underneath.

Tools required

Floor jack and jack standsEssential

Torque wrench (10-300 Nm range)Essential

Socket set (metric)Essential

Breaker barEssential

Slide hammer with seal puller attachmentEssential

Seal driver set or appropriately sized socketEssential

Pry bar

Wire brush

Drain panEssential

Clean ragsEssential

Punch and hammer (for staking axle nut)Essential

Parts

Front axle shaft seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
Axle nut × 1 — Use OEM specification - must replace
Differential cover gasket or RTV sealant × 1 — Mopar RTV sealant

Fluids

Mopar 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant — 1.5 qt

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
Chock rear wheels
Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
Raise and support front of vehicle on jack stands at frame rails
Remove front wheel on side requiring seal replacement

Procedure

1
Remove axle nut
Using a breaker bar and appropriate socket, remove the front axle nut from the axle shaft. This nut is torqued to 281 Nm and will require significant force. Discard the nut as it must be replaced with a new one during reassembly.
2
Disconnect CV joint from differential
Locate the CV joint bolts connecting the inner CV joint to the front differential output flange. Remove all CV joint bolts. You may need to rotate the axle shaft to access all bolts. Keep track of any washers or spacers.
3
Remove axle shaft assembly
Pull the axle shaft and CV joint assembly outward from the hub and differential. You may need to use a soft mallet to tap the outer end through the hub bearing. Be prepared for differential fluid to drain from the axle tube opening. Position drain pan to catch fluid.
⚠Differential fluid will drain when the axle shaft is removed. Keep drain pan positioned under the differential.
4
Remove old axle seal
Using a slide hammer with seal puller attachment, hook the old seal and extract it from the axle tube bore. Alternatively, carefully pry out the old seal using a pry bar, taking care not to damage the axle tube housing bore surface. Remove all remnants of the old seal.
5
Clean and inspect axle tube bore
Thoroughly clean the axle tube bore where the seal seats using a wire brush and clean rags. Inspect the bore for any scratches, burrs, or damage that could prevent proper seal seating or cause leaks. Check the axle shaft surface where the seal rides for wear or scoring.
6
Install new axle seal
Lightly coat the outer diameter of the new seal with differential fluid. Position the seal squarely in the axle tube bore with the seal lip facing inward toward the differential. Using a seal driver or appropriately sized socket that contacts only the outer edge of the seal, tap the seal evenly into place until it is fully seated and flush with the axle tube face.
⚠Do not strike the seal on its inner face as this will damage the seal. Drive only on the outer metal edge.
7
Reinstall axle shaft assembly
Lightly coat the axle shaft seal surface with clean differential fluid. Carefully guide the inner end of the axle shaft through the new seal and into the differential, taking care not to damage the seal lip. Align the outer end with the hub and push fully into position.
8
Reconnect CV joint to differential
Align the inner CV joint with the differential output flange. Install all CV joint bolts with any washers or spacers in their original positions. Torque the CV joint bolts to specification in a crisscross pattern.
Torque spec
CV Joint Bolts71 Nm (52 lb-ft)
9
Install new axle nut
Install the new axle nut onto the axle shaft threads. Torque the axle nut to 281 Nm (207 lb-ft). After torquing, stake the axle nut collar into the axle shaft groove using a punch and hammer to prevent the nut from loosening.
⚠Proper staking of the axle nut is critical for safety. The nut collar must be deformed into the shaft groove.
Torque spec
Axle Nut281 Nm (207 lb-ft)
10
Refill front differential
Check the front differential fluid level through the fill plug on the differential housing. Add Mopar 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant as needed until fluid reaches the bottom of the fill plug hole. The front differential capacity is 1.5 quarts, but you may not need the full amount depending on how much was lost.
11
Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
Reinstall the front wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
Torque spec
Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

Ensure the new axle nut is properly staked after torquing
Verify all CV joint bolts are torqued to specification
Double-check differential fluid level after test drive

Verification

Test drive the vehicle and check for any unusual noises or vibrations from the front axle
After test drive, re-check front differential fluid level and inspect the new seal area for any signs of leakage
Verify no fluid drips are present after the vehicle sits overnight
Confirm proper 4WD engagement if equipped with selectable 4WD