Tell me I'll do fine...

Hey ya'll, I've got a seal leak on the rear passenger side axle. I figured since I'm there, I would replace bearings too. And since I'm doing one side, I'll do the other too. And maybe since I have to pull the brakes I should check/replace those too. Looking at the manual, it doesn't appear to be out of my skill range (but manuals under/over-complicate things sometimes!), so I'm asking...
Is it really that big of a deal?
BTW, '73 CJ5.

 

You can do it..

The big thing is dont hurry or expect it to go smooth.

Its not hard just may take some extra trips to store ect.

Nothing better than fixing your own jeep

 

I did it all on my 74. It was very easy. Only problem I had was putting the seal in. Didn't know which way it went! So I guessed, and guess what...it leaks!

 

call me if you get stuck and need advise/help holding a beer.....uuhh I mean tools or something.
772-2555

Funny thing is, I took my rear brakes apart last night and found I'm missing E-brake parts on the right side...

 

Best advice is do one side at a time. But yes sir you can do it.

 

R) R)

E-brake... E-brake... Hmmm, I wonder what that is? Could it be that little peddle next to the clutch? I always wondered what that did...
I'll have to take you up on the offer of 'tool' hander person, one can never have enough 'tools' when working on ones JEEP!:twisted:

 

E-brake? You mean my '74 CJ5 is supposed to have one of those? I guess all I am missing is the pedal and cableR)

 

I didn't think jeeps had those after 1971. I just figured Ralph Nader had those removed because you could hit that pedal and roll over or something.R) R)

 

you'll do fine....

 

These old Jeeps are designed to be easy to work on if you have not done this before. Just pay close attention on how the parts come out and you will have no problem putting them back. I lay my parts out in a row as they come out. And once in awhile, I will write a note as to which way a seal came out. I just finished rebuilding my front end, and it's a little more complicated Then the rear end, and I have never done this before
Doug/Tucson

 

Hey guys, am I missing something? If we're talking about replacing rear axle bearings, are we also not talking about having them pressed on and off, and adjusting axle play with a dial indicator? just a thought. still not difficult to do, but the bearing part adds a trip to a press somewhere along the line

 

I was wondering about the press too. My 74 flanged D44 axles had the bearings pressed on. I took the rear end to NAPA (this one had a machine shop upstairs) and had them do the bearings and seals for me. Brakes are no problem, though.

 

I don't think there's an end play adjustment on a flanged 44 (ie '73 model). Once you get the axle out (slide hammer) you take the whole assy to your machine shop and have them press on a new bearing. The bearing comes with a new retainer ring (whatever it's called).

From watching the FSJ forums, buy the absolute best quality name brand premium bearings you can (Timken?).

 

So... I was figuring on leaving the rear end on the JEEP, but am I understanding it would almost be easier to remove the whole kit & kaboodle?
Guess I'd better dig out ol' Granville's book and read that section again, and compare it to the manual. (Then I'll do whatever you all suggest!R) )
Thanks for all the input guys, that's why I'm here!

 

Leave the rear end on the Jeep. Take the brakes and the backing plates off. You can leave them hanging by the e-brake cable - they don't have to be disassembled. The axles will slide out with the bearing and retainer in place - you'll probably need a slide hammer. Then take the axle shaft and bearing to the shop.

 

OK, that makes sense, simple enough.
Actually, the PO might have done bearings, so I'll pull and inspect and replace as needed.
Now to see if I have time to do this before the oldest graduates in a couple weeks. Momma thinks I'm supposed to get the yard ready for a party!

 

call me when your ready, I have a slide hammer you can use....
Mine's in exactly that spot right now...but its geting put back together today. Gotta be ready for the mud bogs this weekend in Ethel!

 

Sent you a PM.
Mike