CV Axle / Front Differential Questions

[Laxhunter]

Left Front CV axle boots were both cracked and leaking on my 2003 KJ, so I replaced the CV axle. I struggled to get CV axle in all the way, it would seem to click into place, but then didn't seem to be in all the way. It would still take a screwdriver to pop it loose and remove it, which I did three times just to make sure. When installed each time, while it seemed to stick out a little further than the original, the smooth area was under the seal, and it spun the other wheel and seemed to be locked in place. Fast forward 3-4 months, got a serious vibration in the front end above 50 mph, almost sounded like the front drive line was going out again (which I replace about a year ago). Lifted up the Jeep and checked under it, front drive line was good, then noticed gear oil leaking from the now non-existent seal and the CV axle looked as if it had backed out and been spinning in the housing. Also, the front wheels are very difficult to spin now, like the differential might have some issues. I do not have any differential rebuilding experience and have been trying to find information on exploded parts diagrams and I am just not finding the answers I need so here I am. Questions I have:
1. On the CV axle, is there a spacer between the outer oil seal and the splined socket? I was thinking of putting it all back together to see if the wheels possibly would spin freely again (probably not, but just trying to remain positive).
2. Any thoughts on possible damage or something I can do to figure out what is going on in the differential being that the front wheels are no longer spinning freely? I am hoping I am able to fix it but maybe I will have to take it to a shop.

Thank you.

 

[duderz7]

Have you drained the diff to see if there's any metal flakes in there? Maybe you've got a bearing giving up.

 

[Laxhunter]

Have you drained the diff to see if there's any metal flakes in there? Maybe you've got a bearing giving up.

Thank you for the response. I have not drained the diff yet. The outer seal and CV Axle bearing were trashed, so I have ordered new ones to install. The bearing will be in on Thursday. I also replaced the CV Axle under warranty, as it looks like the clip had an issue. With the front end in the air and the RH CV Axle out, the passenger side hub seems to be spinning ok as I spin it by hand, so I was thinking that maybe the drivers side was dragging where the bearings were gone and causing the difficulty in spinning. Once I get the bearing and seal reinstalled, I was going to insert the new CV axle and see how it spins. I am planning on changing the diff fluid, and have the supplies for that, I am just trying to decide if it would be better to remove the diff cover and look (and clean) inside rather than just drain and fill.

 

[duderz7]

It may be worth pulling it out and cleaning it up with a failed bearing.

 

[Laxhunter]

Thanks, I believe you may be correct. I will hopefully get it done this weekend.

 

[JMichael2006]

Thank you for the response. I have not drained the diff yet. The outer seal and CV Axle bearing were trashed, so I have ordered new ones to install. The bearing will be in on Thursday. I also replaced the CV Axle under warranty, as it looks like the clip had an issue. With the front end in the air and the RH CV Axle out, the passenger side hub seems to be spinning ok as I spin it by hand, so I was thinking that maybe the drivers side was dragging where the bearings were gone and causing the difficulty in spinning. Once I get the bearing and seal reinstalled, I was going to insert the new CV axle and see how it spins. I am planning on changing the diff fluid, and have the supplies for that, I am just trying to decide if it would be better to remove the diff cover and look (and clean) inside rather than just drain and fill.

I would pull the cover and make certain there isn't something rolling around.