Jeep 3507898AB Wheel Bearing

Remove the axleshaft and the oil seal. A bearing puller that grips the bearing from behind will be required for this job. Attach a slide hammer to the puller and extract the bearing and seal from the axle housing. Using the slide hammer and puller attachment to remove the axleshaft bearing. Clean out the bearing recess and drive in the new bearing with a bearing installer or a large socket positioned against the outer bearing race. Make sure the bearing is tapped in to the full depth of the recess and the numbers on the bearing are visible from the outer end of the axle housing. Install a new oil seal, then install the axleshaft.

If the bearing is being replaced, the seal must also be replaced. The axleshaft inside the right-side axle housing must be removed to access the seal or bearing on that side. To remove the right-side axleshaft, it is necessary to use a slide hammer and a special axleshaft puller, or a similar tool that clamps over the end of the axleshaft. If a tool cannot be purchased or borrowed, the work for the right-side should be done by a dealer service department or other qualified repair shop. Remove the drive axle. On the right side, remove the axleshaft by removing the snap-ring from the end of the axleshaft and using the special axleshaft puller tool and slide hammer to remove it. If you are just replacing the oil seal, pry the seal out of the axle housing with a seal removal tool or a pry bar. If you are replacing the bearing, skip to the next step. A bearing puller which grips the bearing from behind will be required for bearing removal. Attach a slide hammer to the puller and extract the bearing from the axle housing. Clean out the bearing recess and drive in the new bearing with a bearing installer or a large socket positioned against the outer bearing race. Make sure the bearing is tapped in to the full depth of the recess and the numbers on the bearing are visible from the outer end of the axle housing. Apply high-temperature grease to the oil seal recess and tap the new seal evenly into place with a hammer and seal installation tool or a large socket so the lips are facing in and the metal face is visible from the end of the axle housing. When correctly installed, the face of the oil seal should be flush with the end of the axle housing. Lubricate the seal lip and the bore in the axle bearing with clean differential lubricant. If it was removed, install the right-side axleshaft. The remainder of installation is the reverse of removal. Lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts to the torque.

First of all, check the front wheel bearings when changing brake pads or lifting the vehicle. Spin each wheel and check for noise, resistance, and free play. Also, if there's movement, the bearings may need servicing. Repack with high-temperature grease, reassemble, and adjust the nut. You can reinstall the brake caliper and tire, then lower the vehicle.

2002 models have either a 198RBI or 8-1/4 rear differential, while 2003 and later models have the 8-1/4. Also, the 198RBI is identified by four bolts and an axle plate. To remove it, loosen the lug nuts, raise the vehicle, remove the brake drum, release the axle retaining plate, and use a slide hammer to pull the axle. Also, installation includes cleaning, driving in the new bearing, applying grease, and refilling the differential with lubricant.