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2013 rear axle shaft question - groove in shaft

3K views 11 replies 8 participants last post by  SoDakSooner 
#1 ·
So, I brought my 2013 JKU in to have the axle seals replaced (driver side leaking) and ended up having the shop do seals, bearings, clean out the diff and add new synthetic. Two weeks later I see the passenger side leaking so I bring it back to the shop, which I have no issue with. The mech let me know the shafts are interchangeable, so the leak moved to the passenger side.

Turns out the seals had been replaced by the prior owner and he sent me pictures where the axle shaft in question has a groove cut in parallel to the shaft. Anyone every see this? Turns out this is the cause of the leak and I'll need a new shaft.

I'm really trying to find out why this was done? I'm the second owner, jeep has 92K.

Picture coming...
 

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#3 ·
Picture attached. As you can see - it's a straight cut. In any case, I now need to shop for a new one. JKUS with 3.21 (assuming 30 spline).
 
#5 ·
Sorry, this seems like a lot of work and expense to avoid just replacing the axles and bearings and seals as a unit.
I think if I had a seal leak I would just upgrade the axles while I am at it. Get a set that is already pressed together, and it becomes a simple unbolt / remove / replace / tighten up.
And yeah, that does look like someone screwed that axle shaft up cutting off the old bearing. I don't think that will buff out.
 
#6 ·
It's a daily driver not a wheeler so I'll keep expenses in line. Any suggestion for a manufactured who has the axle shaft with seals ready to go?

Thanks for everyone's help.
 
#9 ·
I used a dremel mototool with a cutting wheel when I cut off my old bearing. I am in complete agreement that someone used an angle grinder as you can also see a hit on the shoulder of the axle shaft.
 
#11 ·
The "precision" on the cut is definitely suspect. In any case, I'm going to go with a new shaft like a Crown, or something close. This Jeep doesn't see a lot of wheeling and is more of a daily driver. Now to see if I can do it myself.
 
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