2007 Jeep Wrangler - Differential Cover

Differential Cover Replacement

A differential cover is a protective plate that bolts to the axle housing and covers the differential of a vehicle, sealing the ring and pinion gears and keeping gear oil from leaking. The differential cover is typically made of cast aluminum or steel, and is bolted onto the differential housing. The differential cover may also use a seal or gasket, as the axle housing is filled with oil to lubricate the differential gears and prevent them from overheating or wearing out prematurely. Some differential covers may also have fins or other features that help to dissipate heat and improve fluid cooling, or service ports for draining and refilling gear oil. If there is fluid leaking around the differential cover or casing, check for evidence of damage. If it has been leaking for a while, the rear end may also produce a whining or howling noise indicating a lack of gear oil, and the differential cover and gasket may need to be replaced before refilling with oil. If there is no damage to the differential cover itself, simply replacing the differential cover gasket may be sufficient to prevent future leaks, but always inspect the differential cover to determine if it can be reused during service. When you need to repair a differential, O'Reilly Auto Parts carries differential covers and gaskets for select vehicles, as well as gear oil for a complete repair. You can also learn more about how to drain and replace differential gear oil in our How-To Hub to help you keep your vehicle on the road for as long as possible.