New Member question about front drive shaft in 2007 Liberty

[Friar]

Hi! I'm a new member from Alberta. I recently removed the front driveshaft of our 2007 Jeep Liberty because the rear bearing was making a loud clunking noise at slow speeds. Now I want to put the shaft back on since winter is coming and I want 4WD. So I have removed the bad bearing from the shaft, at the rear (transfer case) end of the shaft. I hope to order a new bearing and install it. But I noticed some grease coming out of one of the bolt holes at the front end of the shaft. My question is: Does anything go wrong with the front end of this shaft? The front end feels like it's OK.

 

[ikuo78]

It seems that because it was left in the removed state, the internal seal was not crimped and it just seeped out.
I think it's okay if you install it.
If too much grease comes out, you will need to add more grease.
There is a possibility that grease may be temporarily spread after installation, so you may need to clean it after riding for about a week.

 

[Friar]

Thank you for helpful reply. I will look carefully to see how the grease escaped from the front of the shaft. The front boot is intact so I don't know how I would add more grease in that area. I know that I need to pack grease into the new bearing at the rear. Cheers!

 

[ikuo78]

You can add grease by carefully removing the thin metal cap with a small flathead screwdriver or by removing the boot.
I think boot bands that are crimped in a Z-shape are the least likely to leak.
If you loosen the thin metal cap evenly around the entire circumference while turning it, it will come off cleanly after the second turn and you can use it as is.

But if it's a small leak, you don't have to worry about it.

 

[Friar]

Thank you for the details of how to add some grease. If I decide to do that I will study your words and follow your advice.