2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK Front Differential Cover Removal

HOW TO, DIY
Cover removal to deal with leaking cover joint. This is a QTII diff, the QDII electronic diff should be similar. Getting those two top cover bolts off was quite difficult, start with them before dropping the fluid. Shot with a cell phone without jitter correction...enjoy.
Some affiliate links:
-Stubby Sockets: Sunex 3646, amzn.to/3nCgYHl
-Carbide Scraper Set: Lisle 81780, amzn.to/3Ciz5G6
-Gear Oil RTV: Permatex 81182, amzn.to/3zeUvSE
-Quart of gear oil: Mobil 1 102490 75W-140, amzn.to/3kfz1Ro
-Friction Modifier (for Electronic Differentials): Mopar 4318060AD, amzn.to/3zejdTo
-Small Pump (quart bottles): amzn.to/3AmHWGw
-Large Pump (all other bottles): amzn.to/2YVwN1f
-Drain Pan: 42003MI, amzn.to/2XuwzOn
When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

[@adrianwalls7362]

Love the smell of gear oil🤣

[@zstrode.8953]

I'm working on mine now. Had a axle starting to go bad on the drivers side and I've never EVER in my life had a axle so dam hard to get out glad you can open the diff. With out removing a ton of stuff so I can get a better swing at it from the inside! Thanks for showing dude!

[@SteveRivett]

You need to push the axle in as hard as you can while pulling it out...if that makes sense. If you are pulling on the axle and then try to yank it out it will bind up. You need that small amount of slack to pop it.

[@zstrode.8953]

@@SteveRivett yeah did that for almost 2 days! Even went and got a slide hammer got nothing. I'm doing the cover today work got in the way

[@joshuamoore24_7]

I might make a video when I do my differential drain and fill and front cover. I put a video on KZbin called "2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee differential cover bolt torque specs", it is a video of the Chilton's manual specs.

[@joshuamoore24_7]

Any front differential cover bolt torque specs, any front differential mount bolt specs???? Dana 30 15-30 ft/lbs. ?

[@nowhereman27]

Were you able to reinstall the cover with the differential mount attached still? Putting mine back on, and it can't get past the steering rack without getting wedged.

[@jimwang3148]

Stephen, when taking the front differential cover off for this service, was there a magnet inside the front diff as there is in the rear to catch the metal shavings?

[@petertimpson9378]

Apparently the 07 jeep I bought my son has a leak in the diff. Any spot more likely to leak on those??

[@SteveRivett]

The front cover is the main issue and you'll want to inspect the breather hose. I'm sure it will be apparent if you clean it up a bit.

[@joshuamoore24_7]

Which RTV do you recommend? I have a tube of The Right Stuff 90 minute black RTV, I think it will work fine in differential covers.

[@SteveRivett]

I usually have grey or black RTV around that I use. I don't think it matters too much but there is a link in the description for some gear oil specific RTV.

[@joshuamoore24_7]

@@SteveRivettPermatex has a green gear oil resistant gasket maker!

[@metalhalide4043]

I have C200F on WK and only got about one quart in on drain and refill, its says 1.8 Qts., is the data incorrect?

[@SteveRivett]

If you are on flat ground and you are filled to overflowing that is all you can really do. There is usually a certain amount that you need to scoop out with your hand or use a suction gun to get out of the bottom of the housing.

[@metalhalide4043]

@@SteveRivett A diff shop said 1.8 qts. is for dry fill and oil will remain in axle and diff, I change it every 50k so it was still decent color..

[@thedude9383]

Dude...help. I have looked several times and cannot for the life of me find the front differential and transfer case on my son’s 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. I changed the rear already, tool off the cover, drained it, cleaned it with Brake Cleaner, painted the cover and put it back together.

[@SteveRivett]

Follow the rear driveshaft up to the front of the vehicle. If it goes into the transmission your Jeep is 2wd.

[@thedude9383]

@@SteveRivett It is a 2WD truck and the Jeep dealership confirmed it does not have a front differential or transfer case. Thank you so much for your help!

[@zstrode.8953]

@@thedude9383 I've never heard of a 2wd jeep thats crazy 😆

[@Andreyhappy74]

Thank You 👍. How often I should be doing this???

[@SteveRivett]

The manual states every 18k miles. I would put my finger in the oil at 18k to see how it looks and go from there. The front differential is tiny so it needs to be watched carefully.

[@Andreyhappy74]

Stephen Rivett Wow!!! Wow. Thank You so much. 🤦‍♂️