[JDE22]

I have developed a noise coming from the rear of my jeep. After inspecting I noticed the the pinion dust shield(may have a different name) is loose and can spin with the driveshaft/pinion. I just checked a coworkers stock jeep and it does not spin. I think this is where the noise I hear is coming from.
Two questions:
1. What holds this on/keeps it from spinning?
2. How nessesary/important is it?

This is the part I'm talking about

 

[JDE22]

Anyone?

 

[jadmt]

It is just a slight press fit

 

[JDE22]

It is just a slight press fit

Thank you. I guess it can be pressed back on? I'm taking it in tomorrow for the 500 mile after gear install oil change, I'll have them fix it then.

 

[IndyRubicon17]

Just take it off,...not necessary....

 

[locomotive]

I had the same problem. Very tough to press back in and have it stay down once you have the yoke on because there's a rubber/silicone/whatever seal inside that cap that wants to lay in the opposite direction of the force you exert to push the cap on. I had no luck pushing it all the way down--the seal just made it pop back up. When I had the regear done, they pushed it all the way back on and there it has stayed. All that said, Indy is right--all the driveshaft manufacturers I've seen say you don't need it (there's already a seal around the pinion gear shaft).

 

[JDE22]

Thanks everyone one. I just had the shop pull it off. No noise on the drive home. And now the break in on the gears is done! Time to get off road!