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Flanged 44, Use Inner Axle Seal Or Not? Or Grease Fitting Or Not?

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by mbjeeper, Dec 6, 2018.

  1. Dec 6, 2018
    mbjeeper

    mbjeeper New Member

    Moundsville, WV
    Joined:
    Apr 23, 2017
    Messages:
    17
    I am using a 44 out of (actually still in a) '73 DJ5. I am replacing the axle bearings and seals, changing the gears, and rebuilding the trac loc. It has an inner seal near the end of the axle tube, outboard. There is no inner seal near the differential bearings like a 30.
    Now, I have earlier 44s where there was is a grease nipple at the outer end of the axle tube so that the bearings can be kept greased.
    This axle has no grease fittings. If the axle bearing on this jeep is lubricated not by gear oil, but by grease, would I be ahead to drill and tap for a grease fitting like the earlier axles have? I am adding everything greaseable that I can to this build, so I'd like to do that. Any harm in it?
    I have read that people say not to reuse the inner, that the bearing is lubed by gear oil, but I don't see how that could be the case, as the inner seal keeps the oil away from the bearing. The inner seal isn't shown on some 44 CJ 44 rear axle exploded diagrams. Like some had the inner seal and some didn't.
    I think I'll just use all of the seals, inner and outer, and drill and tap between the seals for a zerk, but if there is a reason there wasn't one there already, I'd like to hear it.
    Thanks.
    Greg
    '43 GPW
    '45 MB
    '73 DJ5 4x4
    '80 ('73)Cj5
    '96 XJ
     
  2. Dec 6, 2018
    melvinm

    melvinm Member

    Arvada Co. 80003
    Joined:
    Aug 11, 2012
    Messages:
    196
    The manual shows that the front and rear wheel bearings should be cleaned and repacked every 12000 miles.
    For Years 1971 to 1973.
     
  3. Dec 6, 2018
    Chilly

    Chilly Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2007
    Messages:
    1,486
    Pack the outers, dont rely on gear oil.
     
  4. Dec 6, 2018
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

    exploring the...
    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2009
    Messages:
    3,869
    I tried this. The bearing failed in six months. Greased with seals going on three years. Leave the seals in.
     
  5. Dec 6, 2018
    OzFin

    OzFin Vintage Jeep Guy

    Michigan
    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2007
    Messages:
    940
    The 44 with the flanged axle shafts uses a captive roller bearing and is supposed to be removed cleaned and repacked every 12,000 miles.
    The 44 with the tapered shaft uses a cup & cone bearing that can be greased without having to pull the shafts, this is supposed to be done every 2,000 miles.
    Check to see that your DJ 44 axle has a vent hole to relieve excess grease if you put the grease zerks in.
     
  6. Dec 6, 2018
    Chilly

    Chilly Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2007
    Messages:
    1,486
    Oz is spot on. Without a vent hole your grease gun will pop a seal. And a vent hole means a path for water intrusion. So I strongly recommend to install all seals, grease bearing, no zirc.
     
  7. Dec 6, 2018
    mbjeeper

    mbjeeper New Member

    Moundsville, WV
    Joined:
    Apr 23, 2017
    Messages:
    17
    Thanks for all the great info, guys. I guess I'll just grease it and install it with the the inner seals then, no zerk. Hadn't thought about the vent hole.
     
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