The 2nd gen Jeep Wrangler is a popular off-roading vehicle. Like any car, truck, or SUV, it comes with its own typical issues. Find out the symptoms, causes, and fixes for common 1997 to 2006 Jeep Wrangler problems owners have run into.
Common 1997 to 2006 Jeep Wrangler Problems: 2nd Generation
1. Water Leaks from the A Pillar
Symptoms of a Bad Seal on the A Pillar
- Water leaks into the cabin
Causes of Water Leaks into the Cabin
The seal on the A pillar tends to leak on both sides of the 2nd gen Jeep Wrangler. This water will eventually leak into the cabin and can damage other parts like the seats.
How to Fix Water Leaks and a Bad A Pillar Seal
There is a revised seal that can be installed and hold back the water.
2. Loose or Damaged Front End Parts
Symptoms of Problems with the Front End Parts on the 2nd Gen Jeep Wrangler
- Wheel balance problems
- Tire damage
- Wobble in steering wheel
- Rattling noises at the front end
Causes of Front End Part Problems on the 1997 to 2006 Jeep Wrangler
It’s common for front end parts like outer tie rod ends and the drag link to damage and loosen on the 1997 to 2006 Jeep Wrangler. This can cause symptoms like rattling noises at the front end and wobbly steering.
The steering stabilizer can leak and cause a wobble in the steering wheel that may subside after accelerating or deaccelerating. You may also find wheel balance issues or damaged tires.
How to Fix Damaged Front Parts
Front parts that are damaged and need to be replaced will have to be repaired. To decrease tire wear, consistently rotate the tires.
Read more on how often to rotate the tires
3. Oil Leaks
Symptoms of Oil Leaks
- Leaking timing chain cover
- Oil leaking from rear main seal
- Leaking valve cover gasket
- Damaged oil pan
Causes of Oil Leaks
The 4.0-liter engine is known to leak at the timing chain cover and valve cover.
It’s common to find a rusted or rotted oil pan, as it tends to rust from the inside out and drip oil.
How to Fix Oil Leaks
You’ll have to replace the oil pan if it’s rusted, rotted and leaking. Other parts leaking oil, like a valve cover, will also need to be replaced.
4. Pinion Seals and Transfer Case Leaks
Symptoms of Pinion Seals and Transfer Case Leaks
- Front pinion seal leaking where the housing meets the seal
- Transfer case seal leaking at transfer case housing
- Rear pinion seal leaking where the seal meets the differential housing
Causes Pinion Seals and Transfer Case Leaks
It’s common to find leaks at the housing that meets the front pinion seal. Rear pinion seal will leak at same as location as the front where the seal meets the differential housing.
The transfer case housing is also known to leak.
How to Fix Pinion Seals and Transfer Case Leaks
There is no gasket in place to prevent leaking. The transfer case is held by paper or RTV, so you’ll need to split open case to fix it.
If the pinion seal is leaking, it will need to be replaced.
5. Rear Main Oil Seal Damage
Symptoms of Rear Main Oil Seal Damage
- Oil leaking
Causes of Rear Main Oil Seal Damage
The rear main oil seal sits between the oil pan and bell housing that leads to the transmission. This problem is known to happen on 1997 to 2006 Wranglers with standard and automatic transmissions.
Dirt is known is get inside the seal and cause damage. The seal housing around the rear main seal has a drain hole on top that sometimes collects dirt, which can damage the seal. This is more likely to happen if the Wrangler is used for off-roading.
How to Fix the Rear Main Oil Seal
To fix this problem, replace the rear main oil seal and put RTV over the drain hole
6. Frame Rot
Symptoms of Frame Rot
- Holes in the frame
- Rusted and rotted frame metal
Causes of Frame Rot
Frame tens to rot, wear out and damage the frame to the point where the Wrangler is no longer salvageable, but you can attack the rot before it spreads.
How to Fix Frame Rot
The frame tends to rot at the rear wheel as it inclines up and over. Find the lower suspension bolt and look for where the fame inclines slightly above it. If you can catch the rot and fix it early, you can prevent it from spreading down the frame.
2nd Gen Jeep Wrangler Model Years
- 1997 Jeep Wrangler
- 1998 Jeep Wrangler
- 1999 Jeep Wrangler
- 2000 Jeep Wrangler
- 2001 Jeep Wrangler
- 2002 Jeep Wrangler
- 2003 Jeep Wrangler
- 2004 Jeep Wrangler
- 2005 Jeep Wrangler
- 2006 Jeep Wrangler
- 2007 Jeep Wrangler
Learn to Fix Your Own 2nd Gen Jeep Wrangler
Learn to do your own repairs with step-by-step instructions from our professional mechanics. We have how-to videos for hundreds of models to help you fix your car.
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Shop Parts and Tools
- Brakes & Wheel Bearing
- Steering & Suspension
- Headlights & Lighting
- Exterior, Body Parts & Mirrors
- Interior
- Engine & Engine Management
