Symptoms
A squeak that fades as speed rises, a vibration or bind on slow turns as if you were in 4WD, and visible play in the axle-shaft U-joint. Quadratec's correspondent found the hub was worn too once it was apart.
The fix, step by step
- Jack up the axle and remove the wheel.
- Remove the two caliper bolts and hang the caliper so it isn't supported by the brake hose, then pull the rotor.
- Stop the hub from turning and break the 36 mm axle nut loose with a long breaker bar.
- Remove the three bolts behind the knuckle and tap the hub out.
- Slide the axle shaft out, remove the U-joint clips and press out the old joint.
- Press in the new joint, being careful not to disturb the needle bearings, then refit the clips, shaft, hub and brakes.
- Anti-seize the hub, torque everything to spec, and expect the other side to need the same soon.
Tools & part numbers
- 36 mm socket
- big breaker bar
- 13 mm sockets
- press (strongly preferred)
- snap-ring pliers
- anti-seize
- torque wrench.
Where to buy the parts
Crown Automotive 8126638SP heavy-duty front axle U-joint, YJ/TJ/JKQuadratec ↗Amazon ↗
TJ axle seals and bearingsQuadratec ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (LJ) parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.