Pinion seal replacement Jeep Wrangler: Short cut method

This is the short cut method to replace a pinion seal on a 1994 Jeep Wrangler YJ. The rear axle is a Dana 35. This 'short cut' method does not replace the crush sleeve and I use the same pinion nut. The repair manual recommends replacing the pinion nut and going through the torquing process. Reusing the pinion nut in this process is done by many backyard mechanics, but you have to weigh the risk and reward of using a 'short cut' method. Good luck. Please comment below. I am not a certified mechanic, just a hobbyist hoping to help others out with my videos. This video in particular was a huge pain to edit for some reason. Video editing software was giving me issues. hahaha, but got it figured out, so... enjoy!!

Become a Patron of the JeepSolid garage!!
Behind the scenes look at what goes on and a more personal interaction and discussion. I really appreciate the support!!

A few of my favorite tools:

1/2" Craftsman Impact Driver I use. Love this thing

Dewalt 1/4 impact driver
Be sure to get the kit with 2 batteries. You'll be glad you did!

Craftsman 165 Mechanics Tool Set
Excellent tool set that will last a lifetime.

Follow Me!!

Some of the links provided are affiliate links, where I earn a very very very small commission for directing you to the website. If you make a purchase, it does not increase your cost, but helps me fund my channel. Thanks for watching JeepSolid. I am not a certified mechanic, just a hobbyist who enjoys working on Jeeps.

[mattauberle]

Thanks solid. Just followed your tips for the seal on my XJ. Done w/ no problems and no surprises.

[codystanberry]

Wow this is great video, ! No bs and extra talking, just straight to the point and extremely detailed. ! Very well done ! I'll be finished with mine by the night.
I was worried when I took my yoke off with the play in the pinion, till I see yours had the same till it was put back together

[HighenWhiteguy]

I changed my pinion seal today. Everything went smoothly thanks to your video. Muchos thank you!

Your videos have helped us a lot. Thank you. We are currently stuck with the yoke not wanting to budge while changing out the front pinion seal. Everything has gone fairly easy except our pinion nut wouldn’t budge and now the yoke won’t budge. Ahhhh!!!

[skingripzhg]

Absolutely great tutorial ! Plain english, explanations when needed, and step by step. Will probably be doing mine soon, no leaks, but 170k miles, and now have the knowledge and confidence to do it myself. Thank you.

[DannerPlace]

Appreciate you posting this. My 2001 TJ needs this service at this time.

[iangaria]

Appreciate this so much just did an oil change on my 97 Tj and noticed this but in the front on my d30. Probably will do both front and rear d35 seals in the next few days. Thanks for helping me save some money rather than pay a shop to do it.

[chrish]

In the middle of this job on my 96 ZJ. My drive shaft was very difficult to get free from the yoke. I had to use PB Blaster, tap it a few times with a dead blow hammer and then pry on it with a screwdriver from the backside. Thought I broke my screwdriver but it was the driveshaft coming off the yoke. The seal on mine came out a lot easier than it did here. Very little damage. Someone has replaced this seal prior to me. With the amount of force In had to apply to get the nut loose it was much easier with the rear wheels locked in place.

[dbucha]

Good video. This is exactly what I was looking for. I noticed I have a leak around the pinion seal on my 02 TJ. I have no idea what I’m doing until I watch some videos. So thanks for the info.

[BMarTee]

I'm needing to replace the pinion seal on my front differential. Would the process be the same as the rear?

[briannickels]

Great video. I had some issues driving the new seal in. It would not go in straight. So I ended up taking a small piece of a 2x4 and used a hole saw to cut out a hole to slip over the pinion shaft. I could then tap the seal in with a hammer and it went in straight.

[RobertPWills]

Very informative with no fluff- outstanding video!

[tpk]

Good job.i always wondered what a wood chisel was used for.

[rowlinstoned]

I've got to change my opinion seal soon as I get it. Thanks for the well made video. I like to do all my own work as long as it's not something that's more "art" than science. 😉

[AndrewBrowner]

option 2 for reassembly - torque pinion to 180 ft lbs, check preload if you have a inch torque wrench it should be between 20 - 40 INCH pounds to rotate the pinion

the factory spec on the pinion nut is 180-200 ft lb but the 20-40 inch pounds of rotational torque is what takes precedent... if your like me torque it up until it feels right how the crush sleeve and shims/bearings are sitting is more important than the nut lining back up or the torque wrench clicking

pro tip, take a pieve of lumber 2x6 preferably and us a hole saw or large twist drill to bore out a hole for the pinion shaft than use the lumber as a cushion between the hammer and seal, must be something wrong if this jeep is on atleast its 3rd pinion seal

[WRANGLER]

Is it the same process for the Dana 30 up front? Also can I use a sealant to help it stay in place?

[alexander.chance]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL YOUR DETAILED VIDEOS!!! I DID EVERYTHING JUST LIKE YOU SAID AND SAVED HUNDREDS PLUS I KNOW WHAT FLUIDS ARE GOING IN!!! TYTYTY:):) GOD BLESS U AND UR FAMILY

[aldee]

i got an 06 4wd jeep commander with the hemi and i was under it over the weekend and noticed the wet area under the truck and i see i'm gonna have to do the same thing but thanks for showing how easy it will be to do.

[JoeVizethum]

good and helpful video ! I did it exactly the same way and - after installing the seal - did screw on the pinion nut very easily without applying any torque, just counting down the threads and accordingly to the marks on the pinion, nut and the differential housing. Have seen folks using a lot of torque to screw down the nut - so guess this is totally wrong and will damage your bearing easily - your thoughts ?

[jkmoneygone]

Is doing the front the same? I have a 2015 Jeep rubicon