1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee rear axle question

[ctrlraven]

1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 4.0L

Anyone pulled the axles on one? I'm helping a friend out with her's. Right rear oil seal went and needs to be replace. I can figure how to get the axle out but before I dive into it, is there a clip at the end of the axle shaft (in the pumpkin) that needs to be removed before the axle can come out? Or can I just take the wheel off, move the brake stuff out of the way, unbolt the abs sensor/unbolt the retainer plate and then use the slide hammer with attachment to yank the axle out? All the instructions I've been reading online weren't really clear as to if there was a locking clip or something in the pumpkin.

Thanks

[LeoVampire]

If I remember right this is a bolt on outer plate and it has a press on bearing on the shaft and no need to open up the pumpkin.

Here is a blow up view of the assembly and part numbers.

http://www.jeep4x4center.com/jeep-axle-differential-parts/dana35-rear-grand-cherokee-wj.htm

And here is the bearing kit and what it looks like so yes it is a press on set up.

http://www.jeep4x4center.com/product-information.asp?number=D35WJ-ABK

and I guess you need special additive for the axle as well like ours.

http://www.jeep4x4center.com/product-information.asp?number=4318060 AB

[SpartaPerformance]

No need to remove the pumpkin cover, it's bolted to the axle housing, you're right remove the brakes unbolt the plate from the rear and use a slide hammer to remove axle, HOWEVER all the seals, clips and bearings are pressed on the axle and require a machine shop to remove and re install them on to the axle shaft.

[Adam12]

grip it and rip it. take the brakes off and take the four retaining nuts off at the end of the axle housing. BFH or slide hammer will do. your best bet it to get new rear wheel bearing and seals. cut the bearings off with a torch or cut off wheel but be careful not to cut the axle. then press the new bearings and seals on you can use a long pole over the axle and the swinging press to put the new bearing on but it maybe easier to just bring the axles to a shop and have them press them on. good luck let me know if you have any other questions

[ctrlraven]

Picked up my slide hammer today, going to yank the the axles and just let the machine shop remove and install the new seals and bearings.

Thanks everyone.