Jeep Wrangler JK Rear Axle Bearing and Seal Kit Pair

A growl from the back of a 2007-2017 Jeep Wrangler JK or JK Unlimited that rises with speed, or gear oil dripping off the inside of a rear wheel, usually means the rear axle bearings and seals have had it. This kit does both sides in one order: two axle bearings (68499023AA), two axle seals (68003270AA), two seal retainer plates (68008523AA) and two retaining rings (83503077), so the left and right shafts get the same new parts at the same time.

Why do both sides at once

The two rear bearings on a JK see the same miles, the same tire size and the same trail abuse. When one is loud, the other is rarely far behind, and because the bearing and ring are pressed onto the shaft, each side means pulling the shaft and spending time at the press. Doing both while the brakes are already apart costs one afternoon instead of two, and a pair also leaves you with matching seals so you are not chasing a second leak a few months later.

How the rear axle bearing works on a JK

The JK rear axle is a semi-floating design. The axle shaft carries the weight of the Jeep through the bearing at the outer end of each tube, and the bearing is held on the shaft by a pressed retaining ring. The retainer plate bolts through the axle flange and holds the shaft and bearing in the housing. The seal sits inboard of the bearing and keeps the differential oil from running down the tube to the brakes. Part 68499023AA is the current Mopar number that replaced the original 83503064 bearing.

Symptoms

• Hum or growl from the rear that climbs with road speed and shifts when you load one side in a sweeping turn
• Gear oil wetting the rotor, caliper or inside of a rear wheel
• Rear pads glazed with oil, pulling to one side or weak braking
• ABS or traction control warnings after the shaft develops play near the tone ring
• Rear axle oil level dropping with a dry cover and pinion seal

How to confirm before you buy

Raise the rear axle onto stands, put the transfer case in 2H and the transmission in neutral, and turn each wheel slowly. A worn bearing feels gritty and often clicks once per revolution. Rock the tire at the top and bottom to feel for shaft play. A noise that changes on throttle versus coast is more likely the pinion bearings than the axle bearings; our rear axle bearing noise guide walks through telling them apart, and the JK and JL transmission service guide helps rule out a transmission whine first.

Fitment

This pair is listed for the rear axle of the 2007-2017 Jeep Wrangler JK and JKU. The bearing and seal numbers are catalogued for the JK's Dana 44 rear axle, used on Rubicon and non-Rubicon models. Some early 2007 JKs were built with a Dana 35 rear, so check the axle tag on the cover bolt or send us your VIN before ordering. A 2018 JK on the same axle can use the same numbers, but match the part numbers on your old parts. It does not fit the JL Wrangler. More JK driveline parts are in our Wrangler JK and JL section.

Install notes

• Remove the wheel, caliper and rotor, then the four retainer nuts through the axle flange. Pull the shaft straight out so it does not drag over the inner seal or the ABS sensor.
• Grind a notch in the old retaining ring and split it with a chisel without touching the shaft, then press off the bearing. A 12-ton shop press and bearing plates handle it.
• Press on the new retainer plate, bearing and ring in that order. Never reuse a ring.
• Pull the old tube seal and drive the new one in square with the rear axle bearing puller and seal driver kit.
• If a shaft is scored at the seal surface or bent, replace it with a Dana 44 JK rear axle shaft.
• Refill the rear differential with the gear oil listed on your axle tag or owner's manual, and replace any oil-soaked brake pads.

Only need one side? The single-side JK rear bearing and seal kit covers one axle end.

Does this kit do both rear wheels?

Yes. It is two complete kits, one for the left shaft and one for the right, each with a bearing, axle seal, seal retainer plate and retaining ring.

Which Wranglers does it fit?

It is listed for the 2007-2017 Jeep Wrangler JK and JK Unlimited rear axle. The bearing and seal are catalogued for the JK Dana 44 rear. Early 2007 Jeeps with a Dana 35 rear should confirm by the axle tag or VIN first.

Do I need a press to install it?

Yes. The bearing and retaining ring are pressed onto the axle shaft. You need a shop press and bearing plates, or a machine shop can press them on once the shafts are out.

Can I reuse my old brake pads?

Not if they are soaked with gear oil. Oil-contaminated pads will not grip properly, so replace them along with the leaking seal and clean the rotor.

What part numbers does it replace?

68499023AA axle bearing (which replaced 83503064), 68003270AA axle seal, 68008523AA seal retainer plate and 83503077 retaining ring.

• Jeep Wrangler JK and JL Transmission Service Guide