1999 Jeep Cherokee Rear Axle Seals - Help

guys

my daughters boyfriend is bringing his 99 cherokee over this weekend so I can help him replace what appears (according to him) the rear axles seals - one of them is leaking bad.

Is it just like replacing a standard axle housing seal like on my old chevy or is it more involved?

Do I have to remove the axles?

If yes, how are the axles removed? Do I have to remove the differential cover and disengage the axles from there (like C-clips) or are the axles secured by flanges at the wheel end of each housing?

Can I use a slide hammer or similar to pull out the old seals?

thanks

Lee


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Maybe this will help a little


REAR AXLE
Axle Shaft, Bearing and Seal
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
Dana 44 and AMC 7 9⁄16 in. Models
NOTE: An arbor press is necessary for this procedure.


Raise and support the vehicle safely.

Fig. 1: Use a slide hammer to remove the axle shaft




Remove the wheel and tire and brake drum/disc assembly.
CAUTION
Brake linings may contain asbestos. Asbestos is a known cancer-causing agent. When working on brakes, remember that the dust which accumulates on the brake parts and/or in the drum may contain asbestos. Always wear a protective face covering, such as a painter's mask, when working on the brakes. NEVER blow the dust from the brakes or drum! There are solvents made for the purpose of cleaning brake parts. Use them!


Remove the nuts that attach the outer seal retainer (and brake backing plate) to the axle shaft tube. Discard the nuts.
Remove the axle shaft from the housing with an axle puller attached to a slide hammer.

Discard the inner axle seal. Position the axle shaft in a vise.
Remove the retaining ring by drilling a 1⁄4 in. (6mm) hole about 3⁄4 of the way through the ring, then using a cold chisel over the hole, split the ring.

Fig. 2: Splitting the retaining ring




Remove the bearing with an arbor press, discard the seal and remove the retainer plate.
To install:

Clean and then apply a thin coating of wheel bearing lubricant to the bearing and seal contact surfaces. Apply wheel bearing lubricant to the lips of the replacement inner and outer seals.
Install the inner seal with the open end of the seal facing inward. Ensure it is completely seated.

Fig. 3: Installing an inner seal in the axle tube



NOTE: It is helpful to cool the axle shaft before pressing on the bearing and retainer. Leave the bearing and retainer at room temperature.



Install the retainer plate and the outer seal on the shaft. Ensure the open end of the seal faces toward the axle shaft bearing.
Pack the replacement bearing with wheel bearing lubricant and position on the axle shaft. Press into place.
Press a replacement bearing retainer on the axle shaft against the bearing.
Install the axle into the axle tube. Position and align the seal retainer and brake support plate and install replacement attaching nuts. Tighten nuts to 32 ft. lbs. (43 Nm).
Install brake assembly wheels and tires. Lower vehicle.
Except Dana 44 and AMC 7 9⁄16 in. Models

Fig. 4: Using a small box wrench loosen the pinion gear mate shaft lock screw . . .




Fig. 5: . . . then remove the lock screw . . .




Fig. 6: . . . and carefully pull out the pinion gear mate shaft




Fig. 7: Notice how the axle shafts are retained in the housing with C-clips




Fig. 8: To remove the C-clip to free the axle shaft, simply move the shaft inward toward the center of the differential from the outside . . .




Fig. 9: . . . this will give enough room to remove the clip from out of the differential gear assembly




Fig. 10: Using a pair of long needle nose pliers, remove the C-clip from the axle shaft . . .




Fig. 11: . . . then carefully pull the axle shaft out of the housing




Fig. 12: After removing the shaft, examine the axle bearings and seal for damage or excessive wear and replace if necessary




Fig. 13: After removing the shaft, examine it for damage or excessive wear. If it is equipped with ABS, inspect the tone ring for damage



Raise and support the vehicle safely.
CAUTION
Brake linings may contain asbestos. Asbestos is a known cancer-causing agent. When working on brakes, remember that the dust which accumulates on the brake parts and/or in the drum may contain asbestos. Always wear a protective face covering, such as a painter's mask, when working on the brakes. NEVER blow the dust from the brakes or drum! There are solvents made for the purpose of cleaning brake parts. Use them!


Remove the wheels and brake assemblies.
NOTE: Refer to Section 9 for the proper procedures concerning brake removal.


Loosen the differential housing cover and drain the lubricant. Remove the housing cover.
Rotate the differential so the pinion gear mate shaft lock screw is accessible. Remove the lock screw and the pinion gear mate shaft.
Move the axle shafts inward and remove the C-clip lock from the recessed groove in the axle shaft.
Remove the axle shaft from the case.
Remove the axle shaft seal and bearing using removal tool set 6310.

Can you send me the link to the website where that information was found. I did not receive the photos.

Lee