03 Grand Cherokee Axel seal

[03grand]

I have been noticing some grease on the RR wheel over the past few weeks. I have been watching it until tonight when it feels like something is dragging. i also felt the LR wheel and it was warm but when I went to the RR it was HOT. I am assuming that the seal is bad but I have been hearing a lot about the bearings.

Will I have to open the rear to release the axel and how hard is it to change the bearings. I dont have a press if I need one and am trying to avoid going to a shop.

All help is welcome!!

[SteelHeadz]

REMOVAL

1. Place transmission in neutral.
2. Raise and support vehicle.
3. Remove wheel and tire assembly.
4. Remove brake caliper and rotor.
5. Remove nuts holding axle retainer plate to axle tube from the rear of the axle flange.
6. Pull axle shaft from the axle with Slide Hammer 7420 and Adapter 6790. Mount the adapter to the axle with lug nuts. NOTE: The axle bearing race is normally loose in the axle tube.
7. Drill a shallow hole into soft steel axle bearing retaining ring with a 3/8 in. drill bit . Use a drill depth stop to avoid marking the axle.
8. With a cold chisel cut the retaining ring across drilled hole.
9. Slide retaining ring from axle shaft.
10. Remove axle bearing from the shaft with, a press and Splitter 1130 placed between the seal and bearing .
11. Remove seal from axle.
12. Remove retaining plate from axle shaft.

Yes , you will need a press for this job..

[03grand]

Thanks for the help, I am on the phone with the shop as I type. $175.00 as long as the axel is ok...lol