ENGINE SUPPORTS
RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE
The general condition of the engine supports
should be inspected at the same time as the engine
oil is changed and the oil filter is replaced.
INSPECTION
(1) Test the hardware that attaches the engine cyl-
inder block to the engine support brackets (Figs. 17
and 18) for the specified tightening torque.
(2) Inspect the rubber in the engine support cush-
ions for softening and swelling. Slight surface deteri-
oration and wear at the ends will not affect the
functioning of an engine support.
ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT
RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE
The accessory drive belt should be inspected for
cracks, fraying, and excessive wear. If necessary, re-
fer to Group 7ÐCooling Systems for replacement pro-
cedures and adjustment specifications.
REQUIRED MAINTENANCE
The drive belt must be adjusted after each 48
000-km (30,000-miles) interval of vehicle operation
has elapsed. The accessory drive belt must be re-
placed after each 96 000-km (60,000-miles). If neces-
sary, refer to Group 7ÐCooling Systems.
EXHAUST SYSTEM
REQUIRED MAINTENANCE
The general condition of the exhaust system must
be inspected after each 12 000-km (7,500-miles).
An exhaust system must be properly aligned to
prevent stress, leakage, and vehicle body contact.
Fig. 17 Front Engine SupportÐTypical
Fig. 18 Rear Engine SupportÐTypical
Fig. 15 ATF Cooler Hoses ÐXJ Vehicles
Fig. 16 ATF Cooler Hoses (4.0L)ÐYJ Vehicles
0 - 20 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCEJ
dye to aid in detecting the source of ATF leaks. The
use of transmission sealing additives should also be
avoided.
Black-light detection dye is factory-installed in
automatic transmissions and, unless the ATF
has been drained and re-placed, it is not neces-
sary to add dye.
ATF LEVEL
Determine the ATF level according to the following
procedure.
WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN THE
ENGINE IS OPERATING. DO NOT PUT YOUR
HANDS NEAR THE DRIVE BELT, PULLEYS OR FAN
BLADE. DO NOT STAND IN A DIRECT LINE WITH
THE FAN BLADE.
(1) Operate the engine and allow the automatic
transmission sufficient time to warm to the normal
operating temperature (77ÉC/170ÉF).
When at normal operating temperature, ATF
will be uncomfortable to fingertips when the
dipstick is touched. Normally, 25 km (15 miles) is
a sufficient driving distance for a transmission
to warm to normal operating temperature (77ÉC/
170ÉF).
(2) Place the vehicle on a level surface.
(3) Operate the engine at idle speed.
(4) Engage the parking brake.
(5) Place a block in front of and at the rear of one
wheel/tire to prevent vehicle movement.
(6) Depress the brake pedal and move the trans-
mission selector lever through all the positions and
then place the selector lever in NEUTRAL position.
(7) Remove the dipstick (Fig. 6) from the transmis-
sion filler tube and wipe it clean.
(8) Insert the dipstick into the transmission filler
tube and seat the cap on top of the tube.
(9) Remove the dipstick and observe the ATF level
on both sides of the dipstick. The ATF level is accept-
able when it is between the ADD and FULL marks.
(10) While determining the ATF level in a trans-
mission, also note the general condition of the fluid.
Examine the fluid closely. If doubtful about its con-
dition, drain a sample into a small container for
evaluation.
(11) If the ATF level is either at or below the ADD
mark, add sufficient ATF to raise the level to the
FULL mark on the dipstick.
CAUTION: Do not over-fill an automatic transmis-
sion. Over-filling can cause the ATF to foam, which
will result in over-heating, fluid oxidation and var-
nish formation.
(12) When it is necessary to add ATF, insert a
long-necked funnel into the transmission filler tube.It requires only 0.5 liter (1.0 pint) of ATF to raise
the level from the ADD mark to the FULL mark.
(13) Inspect for ATF leaks and correct as neces-
sary.
(14) Remove the wheel/tire blocks.
ATF AND FILTER CHANGE
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) does not dete-
riorate or wear out, but it does become contaminated.
These contaminates will eventually restrict passages
and orifices. The result is hard or rough shifting, or
complete transmission failure. Also, the varnish
eventually causes rubber seals to harden and become
brittle.
When it is necessary to change the ATF and re-
place the filter in a Jeeptautomatic transmission,
use the following procedures.
Fig. 6 Dipstick & ATF LevelÐTypical
Fig. 7 Safe ATF Level Above 22ÉC/72ÉF
0 - 24 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCEJ
DRAINING ATF/FILTER REMOVAL
Drain the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) im-
mediately after stopping the engine (before the ATF
cools).
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Loosen the transmission pan bolts and drain
the original ATF into an appropriate container. Re-
move the pan bolts, the pan and the gasket.
Care should be exercised when disposing used
ATF after it has been drained from a vehicle
transmission.
(3) Remove the screws and the ATF filter (Fig. 8).
Discard the filter.
FILTER INSTALLATION/ATF RE-FILL
(1) Install a replacement ATF filter. Tighten the
screws with 4 NIm (35 in. lbs.) torque.
(2) Clean the pan thoroughly. Install a replace-
ment gasket on the pan. Install the pan with the at-
taching bolts:
²model AW-4 transmission Ð tighten the pan bolts
with 7 NIm (60 in. lbs.) torque; and
²model 998 transmission Ð tighten the pan bolts
with 17 NIm (150 in. lbs.) torque.
(3) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
(4) Pour approximately 4.7 liters (5 quarts) of ATF
into the filler tube. Use MerconŸ ATF for AW-4 au-
tomatic transmissions. Use MOPAR ATF PLUS type
7176 or equivalent, for 998 automatic transmissions.
(5) Place a block in front of and at the rear of one
wheel/tire to prevent vehicle movement.
(6) Start the engine and allow it to idle a few min-
utes.
(7) Apply the brake pedal and engage the parking
brake. Move the transmission selector lever through
all positions, then place the selector lever in NEU-
TRAL position.(8) With the transmission at normal operating
temperature, observe the ATF level on the dipstick.
Add ATF (if necessary) to raise the level to the
FULL mark on the dipstick.Only 0.5 liter (1.0 pint)
will raise the level from the ADD mark to the
FULL mark when the ATF is at normal operat-
ing temperature.
(9) Inspect for fluid leaks and correct as necessary.
(10) Remove the wheel/tire blocks.
TRANSFER CASE
RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE
The fluid (ATF) level in transfer cases should be
determined at the same time as the engine oil is
changed and the oil filter is replaced. Add ATF as
necessary.
In addition, transfer case ATF should be changed
after each 48 000-km (30,000-miles) interval of vehi-
cle operation has elapsed.
FLUID SPECIFICATIONS
If it is necessary to add fluid to a transfer case (or
when the fluid is changed), use MOPAR ATF PLUS
type 7176 or an equivalent MerconŸ/Dexron IIŸ
ATF.
FLUID LEVEL
The transfer case fill-hole plug is located at the
rear of the housing (Fig. 9).
Determine the transfer case fluid (ATF) level ac-
cording to the following procedure.
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the fill-hole plug from the transfer
case. The ATF level should be at the bottom edge of
the fill hole. The level can be slightly below the bot-
tom edge of the fill hole if the fluid is cold.
Fig. 9 Transfer CaseÐTypical
Fig. 8 ATF FilterÐTypical
JLUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0 - 25
FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS
Only 2WD XJ vehicles are equipped with front
wheel bearings. XJ vehicles have semi-floating axle
shafts and axle shaft bearings that are lubricated via
differential lube oil.
RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCEÐ2WD XJ
VEHICLES
The front wheel bearings should be lubricated (re-
packed) at the same time as front brake pad/caliper
service is conducted.
LUBRICANT SPECIFICATION
Wheel bearings should be lubricated with a lubri-
cant that is identified as NLGI GC-LB lubricant.
INSPECTION/LUBRICATION
(1) Remove the wheel/tire and the disc brake cali-
per.Do not disconnect the caliper brake fluid
hose unless the caliper must also be removed for
maintenance. Support the caliper with a hanger
to prevent brake fluid hose damage.
(2) Remove the dust cap, the cotter pin, the nut re-
tainer, the adjustment nut, and the thrust washer
from the spindle (Fig. 3). Discard the cotter pin.
(3) Remove the wheel outer bearing from the hub.
(4) Remove the wheel hub/disc brake rotor from
the spindle.
(5) Remove the seal and the inner wheel bearing
from the hub cavity.
(6) After removal, inspect both front wheel bearing
races for indications of pitting, brinelling and exces-
sive heat.
(7) Wipe the spindle clean and apply a small
amount of chassis/wheel bearing lubricant (NLGI
GC-LB lubricant) to prevent rust. Wipe the wheel
hub cavity clean.
CAUTION: Do not over-fill the wheel hub cavity with
lubricant. Excessive lubricant can cause overheat-ing and bearing damage. Also, excessive lubricant
can be forced out of the wheel hub cavity and con-
taminate the brake rotor/pads.
(8) Partially fill the wheel hub cavity with chassis/
wheel bearing lubricant (NLGI GC-LB lubricant).
(9) Pack the wheel bearings with chassis/wheel
bearing lubricant (NLGI GC-LB lubricant). Ensure
that sufficient lubricant is forced between the bear-
ing rollers.
(10) Install the wheel inner bearing in the wheel
hub and install a replacement seal.
(11) Clean the disc brake rotor contact surfaces, if
necessary.
(12) Install the wheel hub/disc brake rotor on the
spindle.
(13) Install the wheel outer bearing, the thrust
washer, and the spindle nut.
(14) Tighten the spindle nut with 28 NIm (21 ft.
lbs.) torque while rotating the disc brake rotor to
seat the bearings.
(15) Loosen the spindle nut 1/2 turn. While rotat-
ing the disc brake rotor, tighten the spindle nut with
2NIm (19 in. lbs.) torque.
(16) Install the nut retainer and a replacement cot-
ter pin.
(17) Clean the dust cap and apply wheel bearing
lubricant to the inside surface.Do not fill the dust
cap with lubricant.
(18) Install the dust cap.
(19) Install the disc brake caliper.
POWER STEERING SYSTEM
RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE
The condition of power steering system should be
inspected and the fluid level checked. Add fluid as
necessary.
FLUID SPECIFICATION
Jeeptpower steering systems require MOPAR
Power Steering Fluid, or an equivalent product.
The original power steering fluid installed in
Jeeptvehicles includes black-light leak detec-
tion dye.
INSPECTION
Inspect the power steering system (Figs. 4 and 5)
for the sources of fluid leaks, steering gear housing
cracks and ensure that the steering gear is securely
attached to the vehicle frame rail. Inspect the steer-
ing damper for leaks and loose connections.
FLUID LEVEL
The fluid level dipstick is attached to the reservoir
cap (Fig. 6). The fluid level in the reservoir can be
determined with the fluid either hot or cold.
(1) Remove the cap from the reservoir.
Fig. 3 2WD Front Wheel BearingsÐXJ Vehicles
JLUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0 - 31
(2) Support the vehicle with jack stands placed un-
der the frame.
(3) Position a hydraulic jack under the axle. Raise
the axle to relieve the axle weight from the springs.
(4) Remove the stabilizer bar links attaching nut.
(5) Remove the nuts, the U-bolts and spring
bracket from the axle.
(6) Remove the nut and bolt that attaches the
spring front eye to the shackle (Fig. 3).
(7) Remove the nut and bolt from the spring rear
eye.
(8) Remove the spring from the vehicle.
The spring can be disassembled by removing
the spring clips and the center bolt. If the spring
bushings require replacement, refer to the bush-
ing removal and installation procedures.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the spring front eye in the shackle.
Loosely install the attaching bolt and nut. Do not
tighten at this time.
(2) Position the rear eye in the hanger bracket.
Loosely install the attaching bolt and nut (Fig. 3). Do
not tighten at this time.
(3) Position the axle. Install the spring bracket,
U-bolts and nuts (Fig. 3). Tighten the U-bolt nuts to
122 Nzm (90 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Attach the stabilizer bar links.
(5) Remove the hydraulic jack.
(6) Remove the support stands and lower the vehi-
cle.
(7) Tighten the front shackle plate nut (Fig. 3) to
135 Nzm (100 ft. lbs.) torque.
(8) Tighten the rear eye bracket nut to 142 Nzm
(105 ft. lbs.) torque.
LEAF SPRING EYE BUSHING REPLACEMENT
(1) Assemble tools shown (Fig. 4). Tighten the nut
located at the socket wrench end of the threaded rod
until the bushing is forced out.
(2) Assemble and align the bushing installation
tools.
(3) Align the bushing with the spring eye and
tighten the nut located at the socket wrench end of
the threaded rod. Tighten until the bushing is forced
into the spring eye.
The bushing must be centered in the spring
eye. The ends of the bushing must be flush or
slightly recessed within the end surfaces of the
spring eye.
Fig. 4 Spring Eye Bushing Removal
JFRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLE 2 - 15
level. Where axle bearing damage is slight, the noise
is usually not noticeable at speeds above 30 mph.
LOW SPEED KNOCK
Low speed knock is generally caused by a worn
U-joint or by worn side-gear thrust washers. A worn
pinion gear shaft bore will also cause low speed
knock.
VIBRATION
Vibration at the rear of the vehicle is usually
caused by a:
²Damaged drive shaft
²Missing drive shaft balance weight
²Worn, out-of-balance wheels
²Loose wheel lug nuts
²Worn U-joint
²Loose spring U-bolts
²Loose/broken springs
²Damaged axle shaft bearings
²Loose pinion gear nut
²Excessive pinion yoke run out
²Bent axle shaft
Check for loose or damaged front-end components
or engine/transmission mounts. These componentscan contribute to what appears to be a rear-end vi-
bration. Do not overlook engine accessories, brackets
and drive belts.
All driveline components should be examined be-
fore starting any repair.
Refer to Group 22ÐTires And Wheels for addi-
tional information involving vibration diagnosis.
DRIVELINE SNAP
A snap or clunk noise when the vehicle is shifted
into gear (or the clutch engaged), can be caused by:
²High engine idle speed
²Loose engine/transmission/transfer case mounts
²Worn U-joints
²Loose spring mounts
²Loose pinion gear nut and yoke
²Excessive ring gear backlash
²Excessive differential side gear-to-case clearance
The source of a snap or a clunk noise can be deter-
mined with the assistance of a helper. Raise the ve-
hicle on a hoist with the wheels free to rotate.
Instruct the helper to shift the transmission into
gear. Listen for the noise, a mechanics stethoscope is
helpful in isolating the source of a noise.
JFRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLE 2 - 17
Refer to Group 0, Lubrication and Maintenance for
additional information regarding temperature range,
viscosity and fluid level.
CAUTION: If the axle is submerged in water, the lu-
bricant must be replaced immediately to avoid the
possibility of premature axle failure.
DRIVE AXLE ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENTÐXJ
VEHICLES
REMOVAL
(1) Raise the vehicle and position support stands
under the frame rails slightly in behind the lower
suspension arm frame brackets.
(2) Remove the front wheels.
(3) Remove the brake components and ABS brake
sensor (if equipped). Refer to Group 5ÐBrakes.
(4) On 4WD vehicles, disconnect the axle vent
hose.
(5) On 4WD vehicles, mark the drive shaft yoke
and axle pinion yoke for alignment reference. Discon-
nect the drive shaft from the axle.
(6) Disconnect the stabilizer bar link at the axle
bracket.
(7) Disconnect the shock absorbers from axle
bracket.
(8) Disconnect the track bar from the axle bracket.
(9) Disconnect the tie rod and drag link from the
steering knuckle. Disconnect the steering dampener
from the axle bracket.
(10) Support the axle with a hydraulic jack under
the differential.
(11) Disconnect the upper and lower suspension
arms from the axle bracket.
(12) Lower the jack enough to remove the axle.
The coil springs will drop with the axle.
(13) Remove the coil springs from the axle bracket.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: All suspension components that use rub-
ber bushings should be tightened with the vehicle
at the ride height. It is important to have the
springs supporting the weight of the vehicle when
the fasteners are torqued. If the springs are not at
their normal ride position, vehicle ride comfort
could be affected along with premature rubber
bushing wear. Rubber bushings must never be lu-
bricated.
(1) Install the springs and retainer clip. Tighten
the retainer bolts to 21 Nzm (16 ft. lbs.) torque.
(2) Support the axle on a hydraulic jack under the
differential. Position the axle under the vehicle.
(3) Raise the axle with a floor jack and align it
with the spring pads.(4) Position the upper and lower suspension arm at
the axle bracket. Install bolts and nuts finger
tighten.
(5) Connect the track bar to the axle bracket and
install the bolt.Do not tighten at this time.
It is important that the springs support the
weight of the vehicle when the track bar is con-
nected. If the springs are not at their usual po-
sition, the vehicle ride comfort could be affected.
(6) Install the shock absorber and tighten the bolt
to 19 Nzm (14 ft. lbs.) torque.
(7) Install the stabilizer bar link to the axle
bracket. Tighten the nut to 95 Nzm (70 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(8) Install the drag link and tie rod to the steering
knuckles and tighten the nuts to 47 Nzm (35 ft. lbs.)
torque. Install the steering dampener to the axle
bracket and tighten the nut to 75 Nzm (55 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(9) Install the brake components and ABS brake
sensor (if equipped). Refer to Group 5ÐBrakes.
(10) On 4WD vehicles, connect the vent hose to the
tube fitting.
(11) On 4WD vehicles, align the reference marks
and connect the drive shaft to the axle yoke. Tighten
the U-joint clamp bolts to 19 Nzm (14 ft. lbs.) torque.
(12) Check differential lubricant and add if neces-
sary.
(13) Install the wheel and tire assemblies.
(14) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
(15) Tighten the upper suspension arm nuts to 75
Nzm (55 ft. lbs.) torque. Tighten the lower suspension
arm nuts to 115 Nzm (85 ft. lbs.) torque.
(16) Tighten the track bar bolt at the axle bracket
to 100 Nzm (74 ft. lbs.) torque.
(17) Check the front wheel alignment.
DRIVE AXLE ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENTÐYJ
VEHICLES
REMOVAL
(1) Raise the vehicle and position support stands
under the frame rails slightly behind the spring
frame brackets.
(2) Remove the front wheels.
(3) Remove the brake components and ABS brake
sensor (if equipped). Refer to Group 5ÐBrakes.
(4) Disconnect the axle vent hose and axle shift
motor vacuum harness.
(5) Mark the drive shaft yoke and axle pinion yoke
for alignment reference. Disconnect the drive shaft
from the axle.
(6) Disconnect the stabilizer bar link at the axle
bracket.
(7) Disconnect the shock absorbers from axle
bracket.
(8) Disconnect the track bar from the axle bracket.
JFRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLE 2 - 21
(9) Disconnect the tie rod from the steering
knuckle. Disconnect the steering dampener from the
axle bracket.
(10) Support the axle with a hydraulic jack under
the differential. Raise the axle just enough to relieve
the axle weight from the springs.
(11) Remove the spring U-bolts from the plate
brackets.
(12) Loosen BUT DO NOT REMOVE the bolts that
attach the spring rear pivot at the frame rail brack-
ets. This will allow the springs to pivot without bind-
ing on the bushings.
(13) Disconnect shackle from the springs and lower
the springs to the surface.
(14) Lower the jack enough to remove the axle.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: All suspension components that use rub-
ber bushings should be tightened with the vehicle
at the normal height. It is important to have the
springs supporting the weight of the vehicle when
the fasteners are torqued. If the springs are not at
their normal ride position, vehicle ride comfort
could be affected along with premature rubber
bushing wear. Rubber bushings must never be lu-
bricated.
(1) Support the axle on a hydraulic jack under the
differential. Position the axle under the vehicle.
(2) Raise the springs and install the spring shackle
bolts.Do not tighten at this time.
(3) Lower the axle and align the spring center
bolts with the locating holes in the axle pads and
plate brackets.
(4) Install the spring U-bolts through the plate
brackets and tighten to 122 Nzm (90 ft. lbs.) torque.
(5) Connect the track bar to the axle bracket and
install the bolt.Do not tighten at this time.
It is important that the springs support the
weight of the vehicle when the track bar is con-
nected. If the springs are not at their usual po-
sition, the vehicle ride comfort could be affected.
(6) Install the shock absorber and tighten the nut
to 61 Nzm (45 ft. lbs.) torque.
(7) Install the stabilizer bar link to the axle
bracket. Tighten the nut to 61 Nzm (45 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(8) Install the tie rod to the steering knuckles and
tighten the nuts to 47 Nzm (35 ft. lbs.) torque. Install
the steering dampener to the axle bracket and
tighten the bolt to 75 Nzm (55 ft. lbs.) torque.
(9) Install the brake components and ABS brake
sensor (if equipped). Refer to Group 5ÐBrakes.
(10) Connect the vent hose to the tube fitting and
axle shift motor vacuum harness.(11) Align the reference marks and connect the
drive shaft to the axle yoke. Tighten the U-joint
clamp bolts to 19 Nzm (14 ft. lbs.) torque.
(12) Check differential lubricant and add if neces-
sary.
(13) Install the wheel and tire assemblies.
(14) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
(15) Tighten the spring rear pivot bolt/nut to 142
Nzm (105 ft. lbs.) torque. Tighten the spring shackle
bolt/nut to 135 Nzm (100 ft. lbs.) torque.
(16) Tighten the track bar nut at the axle bracket
to 100 Nzm (74 ft. lbs.) torque.
(17) Check the front wheel alignment.
LUBRICANT CHANGE
The gear lubricant will drain quicker if the vehicle
has been recently driven.
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the lubricant fill hole plug from the
differential housing cover.
(3) Remove the differential housing cover and
drain the lubricant from the housing.
(4) Clean the housing cavity with a flushing oil,
light engine oil or lint free cloth.Do not use water,
steam, kerosene or gasoline for cleaning.
(5) Remove the sealant from the housing and cover
surfaces. Use solvent to clean the mating surfaces.
(6) Apply a bead of MOPARtSilicone Rubber Seal-
ant to the housing cover (Fig. 1).Allow the sealant
to cure for a few minutes.
Install the housing cover within 5 minutes af-
ter applying the sealant. If not installed the seal-
ant must be removed and another bead applied.
Fig. 1 Typical Housing Cover With Sealant
2 - 22 FRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLEJ