I noticed a puddle of gear oil under both rear tires the other day. I figured o well just some new seals. But what's bother me is that it only has 40k on the entire XJ. Why would they go bad that fast and both sides at the same time? There is also some in and out movement of the axle shafts. About 1/8" or a little more. Is this normal movement or should it not be there. The only thing that I can think of that would cause this movement is worn c-clips or differential pin or maybe the spider gears. Everything is in stock condition. This is my daily driver XJ. Any ideas. The gear oil seems to be a little on the thin side too. Thanks.

i had two seals go out on the same axle within a week of each other. was kinda odd, but i changed each side and all ended up fine.

Does anyone know if it should have this play in there?

sounds pretty normal. only way to check it is to pull it apart and see for yourself if you have that degree of technical knowhow to be able to discern a worn c-clip. :)

If you overfill the diff your likely to blow the seals but if you do have play in the wheels I'd pull the diff cover and see what's going on in there. Torque everything down on the axle to specs first and then go from there you have to pull the shafts and bearing to replace the seals so you'll be able to inspect the bearings anyhow.

if you've been mudding it, it could be the axle vent is plugged and causes pressure when the parts and oil get warm and expansion forces the oil out.

Why do you have to pull the bearings? The seal is on the outside of the bearing it looks like to me.

I do have the technical know how to tear it apart but I'm at school and don't have very many tools or a place to work on it here. Kinda sucks. Since this vehicle is supposed to be taking me to the OBX's (Outer Banks NC) next week I might have to bite the bullet and take it to the dealer.:(