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Before you start, make sure you have the necessary tools and parts, and remember that working on vehicles can be hazardous, so take proper safety precautions.

### Tools and Materials Needed:
1. **Basic tools**: Wrenches, sockets, ratchet, and a torque wrench.
2. **Specialty tools**: Bearing puller, seal installer, and a dial indicator (optional but helpful).
3. **Replacement parts**: New pinion bearings, pinion seal, and possibly a crush sleeve (if applicable).
4. **Grease**: For lubricating bearings and seals.
5. **Cleaning supplies**: Brake cleaner, rags, and a scraper for old gasket material.

### Steps to replace Differential Pinion Bearings:

#### 1. **Prepare the Vehicle**
– Park the Jeep on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
– Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent any electrical issues.

#### 2. **Remove the Driveshaft**
– Locate the driveshaft that connects the rear differential to the transmission.
– Use the appropriate socket to remove the bolts securing the driveshaft to the differential.
– Carefully slide the driveshaft out of the differential.

#### 3. **Drain the Differential Fluid**
– Place a drain pan under the differential and remove the drain plug (if equipped) or the cover. Allow the fluid to fully drain.

#### 4. **Remove the Differential Cover**
– If you haven’t already, remove the differential cover bolts and carefully pry the cover off.
– Clean the mating surfaces of the cover and differential housing.

#### 5. **Remove the Ring Gear (if necessary)**
– depending on your specific setup, you may need to remove the ring gear to access the pinion. This involves removing several bolts and possibly using a bearing puller.

#### 6. **Remove the Pinion Nut**
– Use a socket to remove the pinion nut (this holds the pinion shaft in place). You may need to use a breaker bar for extra leverage, as this can be very tight.

#### 7. **Pull the Pinion Shaft**
– Gently pull the pinion shaft out of the differential housing. Be careful not to damage the surrounding components.

#### 8. **Remove Old Bearings**
– Once the pinion is out, you can remove the old bearings. You may need a bearing puller for this. Inspect the bearings for wear and damage.

#### 9. **Install New Bearings**
– Lubricate the new bearings with gear oil or grease.
– Install the new bearings on the pinion shaft. Make sure they are seated properly.

#### 10. **Reassemble the Pinion**
– Reinsert the pinion shaft with new bearings back into the differential housing.
– replace the pinion nut and torque it to the manufacturer’s specifications. This is crucial for proper bearing preload.

#### 11. **Install New Pinion Seal**
– Remove the old pinion seal and install the new one. A seal installer tool can help ensure it’s seated correctly.

#### 12. **Reinstall the Differential Cover**
– Place a new gasket or use gasket maker on the differential cover.
– Reattach the differential cover and torque the bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications.

#### 13. **Reattach the Driveshaft**
– Slide the driveshaft back into the differential and secure it with the bolts.

#### 14. **Fill with Differential Fluid**
– Refill the differential with the appropriate type and amount of fluid using the fill plug or through the cover if you removed it.

#### 15. **Reconnect the Battery**
– Reconnect the negative battery cable.

#### 16. **Test Drive**
– Start the vehicle and take it for a short test drive to listen for any unusual noises. Check for leaks around the differential.

### Safety Tips:
– Always wear safety goggles and Gloves when working on your vehicle.
– If you’re unsure about any step, consult a professional mechanic or refer to a repair manual specific to your Jeep Compass.

### Final Thoughts:
This is a simplified version of the process. If you run into difficulties or don’t feel comfortable at any point, it’s wise to consult a professional mechanic. Proper tools and techniques are important for ensuring the repair is successful and safe.
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