Rear Axle Bent?

[Darryl]

I hit some ice and then slammed into the curb. The right rear rim was bent and I got it replaced.

But the wheel still has an obvious wobble to it. I am guessing the right axle is bent. The left one looks just fine.

Is it possible to repair just one side of the rear axle? If so, what does this involve? Or does the entire rear axle unit have to be replaced?

This is on a 2003 Liberty.

Great website, BTW.

 

[osufans]

I hit some ice and then slammed into the curb. The right rear rim was bent and I got it replaced.

But the wheel still has an obvious wobble to it. I am guessing the right axle is bent. The left one looks just fine.

Is it possible to repair just one side of the rear axle? If so, what does this involve? Or does the entire rear axle unit have to be replaced?

This is on a 2003 Liberty.

Great website, BTW.

The right axle shaft can be pulled, so I would assume you could replace just that half. However, I'm guessing you may have to replace any contact parts (bearings, seals) on the right axle tube as well.

 

[JeepINgeek]

ya replace the axle shaft. IMHO while youre in there go ahead and do a rebuild kit..

( bearings and such. )

 

[Darryl]

Does replacing one axle shaft mean taking out the entire axle? Is there anyone who has done this? Can't seem to find any threads or instructions on it.

 

[tommudd]

The 8.25 has C Clips that hold the axles in
So off with the rear cover and you can see the C Clips on the end of the axles
I would also replace the bearings/ seals since it was hit that hard.
Should be able to pick up an axle cheap
if you were closer I have 4 extra ones sitting out here :icon_twisted:
Oh and no you do not have to remove the whole diff, just the axle

 

[Darryl]

That sounds do-able.

Any instructions or diagrams of the axle anywhere?

 

[Darryl]

Is the rear axle a CV or u-joint type?

 

[JeepJeepster]

Is the rear axle a CV or u-joint type?

Say whaa? Its neither, its just a straight shaft.

-Take the cover off the diff
-Remove center pin(Has a bolt holding it in) and carefully remove side gears(I call them side gears, could be called spiders gears) making note not to let them all fall out and get mixed up.
-Remove wheels, calipers, and rotors
-Push axle in towards center of Jeep then remove C-clips in the diff(This is why you remove the pin and spider gears)
-Carefully remove axle
-Replace seals and bearings if you want

I can get the axles removed in about an hour if Im taking my time. Just make sure you have room to pull it out of the axle. Ive been in a small garage before and not paid attention to what was going on till I tried to slide the axle out. :disgust:

 

[Darryl]

Say whaa? Its neither, its just a straight shaft.

That's what I thought. But it's a question I've been asked twice today by parts suppliers so it got me wondering.

. Just make sure you have room to pull it out of the axle. Ive been in a small garage before and not paid attention to what was going on till I tried to slide the axle out. :disgust:

That is a great tip. I have now just reconsidered where the vehicle will be placed when I changed the axle.

Thanks to all who replied in this thread.

 

[ericautopart]

I've got the axle shaft for 142.90. Send me a PM if you need one.

 

[tjkj2002]

Say whaa? Its neither, its just a straight shaft.

-Take the cover off the diff
-Remove center pin(Has a bolt holding it in) and carefully remove side gears(I call them side gears, could be called spiders gears) making note not to let them all fall out and get mixed up.
-Remove wheels, calipers, and rotors
-Push axle in towards center of Jeep then remove C-clips in the diff(This is why you remove the pin and spider gears)
-Carefully remove axle
-Replace seals and bearings if you want

I can get the axles removed in about an hour if Im taking my time. Just make sure you have room to pull it out of the axle. Ive been in a small garage before and not paid attention to what was going on till I tried to slide the axle out. :disgust:

No need to remove the spider gears.

Jack up rear axle,block front wheels and put trans in "N"(engine off),remove rear diff cover and let drain.Then pull wheel and brake caliper,rotor.Grab driveshaft and spin untill the bolt holding the center pin is visable,remove bolt,then remove the center pin.Push the axle in and remove c-clip,then pull axle,do not turn either axle.Use a rear axle bearing puller(see below pics) to remove bearing and seal.Install new bearing and seal.Put axle back in,install c-clip,pull axle back out as far as possible(with c-clip in),center pin.Make sure to use plenty of brake cleaner to clean center pin bolt and the hole it goes into and use some thread lock on the center pin bolt.Re-seal the diff and add gear oil.Put brakes back on and the wheel and your done.

You must be registered for see images

Sets like these can be rented from some parts stores.

 

[Darryl]

Just an update: I replace my passenger rear axle this spring using the info from this thread. It was very easy removing the axle, removing the bearing using the slide hammer (free rental), banging in a new bearing and seal and installing the new axle. And no, the spider gears didn't have to come out.

And that was the problem. No more wobble and brake rubbing.

The biggest challenge was pressing in the new studs on the axle. I first tried sucking them tight using nuts and an impact but stud threads were the weak point and stripped a couple. I ended up placing part of the hub on some flatiron and banging in the studs with a ball peen hammer.

Lying on the ground to get at the diff was a bit awkward but everything was pretty accessible.

If you have any kind of mechnical ability, I would not hesitate to attempt it. Relatively easy, although it took me all day. Took a bunch of time to clean off the old sealant around the diff cover.

Thanks for your help guys! Much appreciated!