Why Your JL Wrangler’s Outer Pinion Bearing Keeps Failing (and How to Fix It)

Introduction:

If you own a 2018 or newer Jeep Wrangler JL or Gladiator JT, you might have heard about premature rear axle failures—or maybe you’ve experienced one yourself. At Globex Performance, we’ve seen a troubling pattern with the new Advantec Series axles (M220 and M200): the outer pinion bearing fails far more often than it should.

In this article, we’ll explain why these failures happen, what Dana changed in their design, and how our new Tapered Pinion Bearing Conversion Kit solves the problem for good.

What Dana Changed and Why:

When Jeep launched the JL Wrangler platform in 2018, they introduced a new generation of axles called the Advantec Series. These included:

• M220, commonly referred to as the “Dana 44”

• M200, commonly referred to as the “Dana 35”

Traditionally, Dana used a tapered roller bearing for the outer pinion bearing. This design is extremely durable and ideal for off-road abuse, heavy loads, and oversized tires.

However, Dana switched to a double-row ball bearing in the new Advantec axles. The reason?
A very slight increase in fuel efficiency. While this difference is imperceptible to a single Jeep owner, when multiplied across millions of vehicles, it helps Jeep meet corporate fuel economy standards.

The Problem: Higher Failure Rates

While the new ball bearing design works fine in theory, in practice, it’s proven to be less durable.
In our shop, we’ve seen:

• Bearings fail even on stock Jeeps with factory-size tires

• Repeat failures, with some customers replacing the bearing multiple times in a year

• Damage to gears, seals, and other components when the bearing fails catastrophically

The issue is especially common for Jeep owners who lift their vehicles, run larger tires, or hit the trails regularly.

Our Solution: The Tapered Pinion Bearing Conversion Kit

After seeing too many failures, we engineered a kit to revert the design back to the proven, tapered roller bearing setup.

Each kit includes:

• Heavy-duty tapered roller bearing – proven in decades of Dana axle builds

• Matching race for perfect fit and smooth operation

• Laser-cut adapter spacer to ensure precise installation in the newer Advantec housings

This conversion eliminates the weak link and brings back the durability you expect from a Dana axle.

Why This Matters for Jeep Owners

Your Jeep’s rear axle is under constant stress, especially when off-roading or towing. A failed pinion bearing isn’t just inconvenient—it can lead to:

• Noise and vibration issues

• Premature gear wear

• Leaks and seal failures

• Total axle failure, leaving you stranded on the trail

By installing this kit proactively, you avoid costly repairs and downtime, while gaining peace of mind.

Conclusion: Build It Right the First Time

The Advantec ball bearing might make sense for Jeep’s accountants, but it doesn’t hold up in the real world. Our Tapered Pinion Bearing Conversion Kit restores strength and reliability to your axle so you can drive, tow, and wheel with confidence.

If you’re building your Jeep for adventure—or just want to avoid a major failure—this upgrade is a must-have.

[SHOP NOW] and protect your axle before it becomes a problem.