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[rickrwg]

Hi all i'm a newbie to the forums and Jeeps and need some advice.
I bought a 53 plate Jeep WJ last year my first 4x4 after saloon cars for years.
Not long after buying I noticed a whine from the front end and after research I replaced both CV joints on the front propshaft this made the noise much better but didn't cure it. Both CV joints were completely shot.
The whining noise has gotten progressively worse both accelerating & decelerating at any speed and I noticed a small oil leak/weep from the pinion seal after more research this led me to thinking both pinion bearings were shot. I have kept an eye on the oil level and have had to add a tiny amount (redline 75W 140) twice but nothing major.
I checked the level again today and the fill plug was covered in a metallic paste with a few flakes 3-4mm in size I also noticed a grinding sound when turning slowly like parking and such.

Sorry for droning on  but here come the questions.

How bad are the metal flakes/paste? is this near imminent destruction?
How much would I be looking at for a diff rebuild?
Would a used non vari-lock axle be a better option? I don't go off road much I just like the size of the car and the ability in the bad weather.
I live in Keighley, West Yorkshire does anyone know a Jeep/diff specialist in this area?
The axle swap I could do myself but I don't fancy trying to rebuild the diff myself and don't have the required tools.

Thanks to anyone who can help or not

[JamesH]

Before delving into diff rebuilds I suggest taking it to someone really familiar with Jeep to diagnose the noises. I've chased myself in circles replacing things before when it was actually a very simple wheel bearing unit that was causing all the noise. It was a relief as my next job was diff rebuild 

[Dave69]

take the diff cover off and have a look inside at the gears. thats the easy part, if the metal shavings are from the gears it will be apparent by worn and pitted surfaces. if the gears are smooth then its will be somewhere else as James said possibly a bearing.

at any point changing the oil will help make the diff last a little longer

[Bubba]

sounds like pinion bearings  but as said change the oil as first step and closely monitor

[rickrwg]

Thanks for the responses and advice I will whip the cover off on Monday and see what's what

[Dave69]

take photos, we love photos on here

[rickrwg]

Will do lots of pics with the cover off 

[Bubba]

kinky

[rickrwg]

A bit of an update and i'm smiling  I've had the diff cover off and all of the gears look in good order no chips, pitting or unusual wear marks.
I've got it all back together and am waiting until tomorrow for the RTV to cure so I can refill and test drive. I just wish I had the required tools to change the bearings myself it doesn't look all that difficult.
Thanks again for the advice will update again once I have more news.

[Mike Pavelin]

You don't have to wait for the RTV to cure, just put the oil in and go.

[rickrwg]

Oh well will know for next time but don't tell my Dad I've just stolen his Jag for the evening

[Bubba]

i give it about 20 mins then put the oil in

[rickrwg]

Another update there is no real improvement after the oil change although the old oil was noticeably thinner and in poor condition.
At least I know the gears are in good condition now to find a garage who can change the bearings for me is it advisable to have the carrier bearings done at the same time being as it has to come out anyway and what about the axle seals should they be changed?
can anyone give me a rough idea of cost I know the parts would run to about £120 but how long would it take?

[johnboybop]

try hargreaves at riddlesden,   phils a jeep man.

[Bubba]

get prices localy but i would expect 200 ish if they will touch it

[rickrwg]

Just a conclusion for everyone I took the Jeep to Phil at Hargreaves Riddlesden he had a good look at the diff and only needed to replace the rear pinion bearing & seals. it turns out someone had replaced this bearing before in a cowboy manner without changing the race at the same time hence the bearing not fitting properly and howling like a bancheee whilst destroying its self.
Can highly recommend Phil at Hargreaves very honest guy he could quite easily have just charged me to rebuild the complete diff but only seemed interested in saving me money which is great if only more garages were like this.