2002 JEEP LIBERTY Rear axle

(10) Start the engine and re-check for vibration. If
there is little or no change in vibration, move the
clamp to one of the other three positions. Repeat the
vibration test.
(11) If there is no difference in vibration at the
other positions, the source of the vibration may not
be propeller shaft.
(12) If the vibration decreased, install a second
clamp (Fig. 2) and repeat the test.
(13) If the additional clamp causes an additional
vibration, separate the clamps (1/4 inch above and
below the mark). Repeat the vibration test (Fig. 3).
(14) Increase distance between the clamp screws
and repeat the test until the amount of vibration is
at the lowest level. Bend the slack end of the clamps
so the screws will not loosen.
(15) If the vibration remains unacceptable, apply
the same steps to the front end of the propeller shaft.
(16) Install the wheel and tires. Lower the vehicle.RUNOUT
(1) Remove dirt, rust, paint and undercoating from
the propeller shaft surface where the dial indicator
will contact the shaft.
(2) The dial indicator must be installed perpendic-
ular to the shaft surface.
(3) Measure runout at the center and ends of the
shaft sufficiently far away from weld areas to ensure
that the effects of the weld process will not enter into
the measurements.
(4) Refer to Runout Specifications chart.
(5) If the propeller shaft runout is out of specifica-
tion, remove the propeller shaft, index the shaft 180É,
and re-install the propeller shaft. Measure shaft
runout again.
(6) If the propeller shaft runout is now within
specifications, mark the shaft and yokes for proper
orientation.
(7) If the propeller shaft runout is not within spec-
ifications, verify that the runout of the transmission/
transfer case and axle are within specifications.
Correct as necessary and re-measure propeller shaft
runout.
(8) Replace the propeller shaft if the runout still
exceeds the limits.
RUNOUT SPECIFICATIONS
Front of Shaft 0.020 in. (0.50 mm)
Center of Shaft 0.025 in. (0.63 mm)
Rear of Shaft 0.020 in. (0.50 mm)
note:
Measure front/rear runout approximately 3 inches (76
mm) from the weld seam at each end of the shaft
tube for tube lengths over 30 inches. For tube lengths
under 30 inches, the maximum allowed runout is
0.020 in. (0.50 mm) for the full length of the tube.
STANDARD PROCEDURES - PROPELLER
SHAFT ANGLE
The procedure applies to both the front propeller
shafts and the rear propeller shaft. To obtain the
front (output) angle on the C/V front propeller shaft,
the inclinometer is placed on the machined ring of
the pinion flange. To obtain the propeller shaft angle
measurement on the C/V front propeller shaft, the
inclinometer is placed on the propeller shaft tube.
(1) Raise and support the vehicle at the axles as
level as possible. Allow the wheels and propeller
shaft to turn.
(2) Remove any external bearing snap rings from
universal joint if equipped, so the inclinometer base
will sits flat.
Fig. 2 TWO CLAMPS AT SAME POSITION
Fig. 3 CLAMPS SEPARATED
1 - ó INCH
KJPROPELLER SHAFT 3 - 3
PROPELLER SHAFT (Continued)

SPECIFICATIONS
PROPELLER SHAFT
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Front Shaft - Companion
Flange Bolts30 22 -
Rear Shaft - Yoke Nuts 18 13 -
SPECIAL TOOLS
PROPELLER SHAFT - FRONT
REMOVAL
(1) Shift transmission and transfer case into Neu-
tral.
(2) Raise and support the vehicle.
(3) Mark companion flanges and C/V joints at the
front and rear of the propeller shaft for installation
reference.
(4) Remove bolts from the front and rear C/V
joints.
(5) Push propeller shaft forward to clear transfer
case companion flange (Fig. 8).
(6) Remove the shaft from the front axle compan-
ion flange.
(7) Tilt the front of the shaft down and pull shaft
forward and remove from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install propeller shaft between companion
flanges.
(2) Align marks on the companion flanges with the
marks on the C/V joints.
(3) Install front C/V joint bolts and tighten to 30
N´m (22 ft. lbs.).
(4) Install rear C/V joint bolts and tighten to 30
N´m (22 ft. lbs.).
(5) Lower vehicle.
Inclinometer 7663
Fig. 8 TRANSFER CASE COMPANION FLANGE
1 - FLANGE BOLT
2 - COMPANION FLANGE
3 - 6 PROPELLER SHAFTKJ
PROPELLER SHAFT (Continued)

PROPELLER SHAFT - REAR
REMOVAL
(1) Shift the transmission/transfer case into Neu-
tral.
(2) Raise and support vehicle.
(3) Mark a reference line across the pinion yoke
and propeller shaft for installation.
(4) Remove U-joint strap bolts at the pinion shaft
yoke.
(5) Pry open clamp holding the dust boot to propel-
ler shaft yoke (Fig. 9), if equipped.
(6) Slide slip yoke off of the transmission/transfer
case output shaft and remove the propeller shaft
(Fig. 10).
INSTALLATION
(1) Slide slip yoke on the transmission/transfer
case output shaft.
(2) Align reference marks on the pinion yoke and
propeller shaft.
(3) Install U-joint straps and tighten strap bolts to
18 N´m (13 ft. lbs.).
(4) Tighten dust boot clamp if equipped with
Clamp C-4975A (Fig. 11).
(5) Remove support and lower the vehicle.
Fig. 9 DUST BOOT CLAMP
1 - SLINGER
2 - BOOT
3-AWL
4 - TRANSFER CASE
Fig. 10 REAR PROPELLER SHAFT
1 - CLAMP
2 - YOKE
3 - PROPELLER SHAFT
4 - AXLE YOKE
5 - CLAMP
6 - OUTPUT SHAFT
7 - BOOT
Fig. 11 CRIMPING BOOT CLAMP
1 - CLAMP TOOL
2 - SLINGER
3 - BOOT
4 - CLAMPS
KJPROPELLER SHAFT 3 - 7

(5) Remove lower clevis bolt (Fig. 2).
(6) Seperate lower ball joint from the lower control
arm (Fig. 3).
(7) Pull out on the steering knuckle and push the
half shaft out of the knuckle.
(8) With a pry bar remove the half shaft from the
axle.
NOTE: The right side has a splined axle shaft that
will stay in the axle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Apply a light coat of wheel bearing grease on
the female splines of the inner C/V joint.(2) Install half shaft on the axle shaft spline and
push firmly to engage the snap ring. Pull on the half
shaft to verify snap has engaged.
(3) Clean hub bearing bore and apply a light coat
of wheel bearing grease.
(4) Pull out on the steering knuckle and push the
half shaft through the knuckle.
(5) Install lower ball joint into the lower control
arm and tighten pinch bolt.
(6) Align clevis with knuckle. Install and tighten
lower clevis bolt.
(7) Install stabilizer link.
(8) Install half shaft hub nut.
(9) Install wheel and tire assembly.
(10) Remove support and lower vehicle.
SPECIFICATIONS
HALF SHAFT
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Half Shaft Nut 136 100 -
Fig. 3 LOWER CONTROL ARM
1 - FRONT CAM BOLT
2 - OUTER TIE ROD END
3 - LOWER BALL JOINT NUT
4 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
5 - REAR CAM BOLTFig. 2 CLEVIS BRACKET
1 - UPPER BOLT
2 - CLEVIS BRACKET
3 - LOWER BOLT
KJHALF SHAFT 3 - 11
HALF SHAFT (Continued)

When turning corners, the outside wheel must
travel a greater distance than the inside wheel to
complete a turn. The difference must be compensated
for to prevent the tires from scuffing and skidding
through turns. To accomplish this, the differential
allows the axle shafts to turn at unequal speeds (Fig.
2). In this instance, the input torque applied to the
pinion gears is not divided equally. The pinion gears
now rotate around the pinion mate shaft in opposite
directions. This allows the side gear and axle shaft
attached to the outside wheel to rotate at a faster
speed.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AXLE
GEAR NOISE
Axle gear noise can be caused by insufficient lubri-
cant, incorrect backlash, tooth contact, worn/damaged
gears or the carrier housing not having the proper
offset and squareness.
Gear noise usually happens at a specific speed
range. The noise can also occur during a specific type
of driving condition. These conditions are accelera-
tion, deceleration, coast, or constant load.
When road testing, first warm-up the axle fluid by
driving the vehicle at least 5 miles and then acceler-
ate the vehicle to the speed range where the noise is
the greatest. Shift out-of-gear and coast through the
peak-noise range. If the noise stops or changes
greatly:
²Check for insufficient lubricant.
²Incorrect ring gear backlash.
²Gear damage.
Differential side gears and pinions can be checked
by turning the vehicle. They usually do not cause
noise during straight-ahead driving when the gears
are unloaded. The side gears are loaded during vehi-cle turns. A worn pinion mate shaft can also cause a
snapping or a knocking noise.
BEARING NOISE
The axle shaft, differential and pinion bearings can
all produce noise when worn or damaged. Bearing
noise can be either a whining, or a growling sound.
Pinion bearings have a constant-pitch noise. This
noise changes only with vehicle speed. Pinion bearing
noise will be higher pitched because it rotates at a
faster rate. Drive the vehicle and load the differen-
tial. If bearing noise occurs, the rear pinion bearing
is the source of the noise. If the bearing noise is
heard during a coast, the front pinion bearing is the
source.
Worn or damaged differential bearings usually pro-
duce a low pitch noise. Differential bearing noise is
similar to pinion bearing noise. The pitch of differen-
tial bearing noise is also constant and varies only
with vehicle speed.
Axle shaft bearings produce noise and vibration
when worn or damaged. The noise generally changes
when the bearings are loaded. Road test the vehicle.
Turn the vehicle sharply to the left and to the right.
This will load the bearings and change the noise
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 shaft bore will also cause low speed knock.
VIBRATION
Vibration at the rear of the vehicle is usually
caused by:
²Damaged drive shaft.
²Missing drive shaft balance weight(s).
²Worn or out of balance wheels.
²Loose wheel lug nuts.
²Worn U-joint(s).
²Loose/broken springs.
²Damaged axle shaft bearing(s).
²Loose pinion gear nut.
²Excessive pinion yoke run out.
²Bent axle shaft(s).
Check for loose or damaged front end components
or engine/transmission mounts. These components
can contribute to what appears to be a rear end
vibration. Do not overlook engine accessories, brack-
ets and drive belts.
All driveline components should be examined
before starting any repair.
Fig. 2 DIFFERENTIAL-ON TURNS
1 - PINION GEARS ROTATE ON PINION SHAFT
3 - 20 FRONT AXLE - 186FIAKJ
FRONT AXLE - 186FIA (Continued)

REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support vehicle.
(2) Remove wheel and tire assemblies.
(3) Remove half shaft hub nuts.
(4) Remove lower control arms. Refer to 2 suspen-
sion for procedure.
(5) Remove half shafts.
(6) Remove skid plate.
(7) Remove differential drain plug (Fig. 3) and
drain fluid.
(8) Remove differential vent hose (Fig. 4) from
cover.
(9) Remove propeller shaft from pinion flange.
(10) Support axle with a lift/jack.
(11) Remove bolt from left front axle bracket frame
mount (Fig. 5).
(12) Remove bolts from right axle bracket frame
mounts (Fig. 6).
(13) Remove bolt from left rear axle bracket frame
mount (Fig. 7).
(14) Lower axle from vehicle.
(15) Remove brackets from axle if necessary.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install left rear bracket to axle and tighten to
61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
(2) Install right bracket to axle and tighten to 88
N´m (65 ft. lbs.).(3) Install left front bracket to axle and tighten to
61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
(4) Raise axle up and align brackets with frame
mounts.
(5) Install frame mount bolts and tighten to 88
N´m (65 ft. lbs.).
(6) Install propeller shaft.
(7) Install half shafts.
Fig. 3 DRAIN PLUG
1 - LEFT FRONT AXLE BRACKET
2 - DRAIN PLUG
3 - DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING
Fig. 4 DIFFERENTIAL COVER
1 - COVER
2 - VENT TUBE
Fig. 5 LEFT FRONT AXLE BRACKET
1 - LEFT FRONT AXLE BRACKET
2 - BRACKET BOLT
3 - 24 FRONT AXLE - 186FIAKJ
FRONT AXLE - 186FIA (Continued)

(8) Install lower control arms, refer to 2 Suspen-
sion for procedures.
(9) Install new half shaft hub nuts and tighten to
136 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
(10) Install axle vent hose.
(11) Fill differential with gear lubricant.
(12) Install skid plate.
(13) Install wheel and tire assemblies.
(14) Remove support and lower vehicle.
(15) Check vehicle alignment.
ADJUSTMENTS
Ring and pinion gears are supplied as matched
sets only. The identifying numbers for the ring and
pinion gear are etched onto each gear (Fig. 8). A plus
(+) number, minus (±) number or zero (0) is etched
into the face of the pinion gear. This number is the
amount (in thousandths of an inch) the depth varies
from the standard depth setting of a pinion etched
with a (0). The standard setting from the center line
of the ring gear to the back face of the pinion is 92.1
mm (3.625 in.). The standard depth provides the best
gear tooth contact pattern. Refer to Backlash and
Contact Pattern Analysis paragraph in this section
for additional information.
Fig. 6 RIGHT AXLE BRACKET
1 - RIGHT AXLE BRACKET
2 - FRONT BRACKET BOLT
3 - REAR BRACKET BOLT
Fig. 7 LEFT REAR AXLE BRACKET
1 - LEFT REAR AXLE BRACKET
2 - BRACKET BOLT
Fig. 8 PINION GEAR ID NUMBERS
1 - PRODUCTION NUMBERS
2 - DRIVE PINION GEAR DEPTH VARIANCE
3 - GEAR MATCHING NUMBER
KJFRONT AXLE - 186FIA 3 - 25
FRONT AXLE - 186FIA (Continued)

Compensation for pinion depth variance is
achieved with a select shim/oil slinger. The shims are
placed between the rear pinion bearing and the pin-
ion gear head (Fig. 9).
If a new gear set is being installed, note the depth
variance etched into both the original and replace-
ment pinion. Add or subtract this number from the
thickness of the original depth shim/oil slinger to
compensate for the difference in the depth variances.
Refer to the Pinion Gear Depth Variance chart.
Note where Old and New Pinion Marking columns
intersect. Intersecting figure represents plus or
minus the amount needed.
Note the etched number on the face of the pinion
gear head (±1, ±2, 0, +1, +2, etc.). The numbers rep-
resent thousands of an inch deviation from the stan-
dard. If the number is negative, add that value to the
required thickness of the depth shims. If the number
is positive, subtract that value from the thickness of
the depth shim. If the number is 0 no change is nec-
essary.
PINION GEAR DEPTH VARIANCE
Original Pinion
Gear Depth
VarianceReplacement Pinion Gear Depth Variance
24232221 0 +1 +2 +3 +4
+4+0.008 +0.007 +0.006 +0.005 +0.004 +0.003 +0.002 +0.001 0
+3+0.007 +0.006 +0.005 +0.004 +0.003 +0.002 +0.001 020.001
+2+0.006 +0.005 +0.004 +0.003 +0.002 +0.001 020.00120.002
+1+0.005 +0.004 +0.003 +0.002 +0.001 020.00120.00220.003
0+0.004 +0.003 +0.002 +0.001 020.00120.00220.00320.004
21+0.003 +0.002 +0.001 020.00120.00220.00320.00420.005
22+0.002 +0.001 020.00120.00220.00320.00420.00520.006
23+0.001 020.00120.00220.00320.00420.00520.00620.007
24020.00120.00220.00320.00420.00520.00620.00720.008
Fig. 9 SHIM LOCATIONS
1 - PINION GEAR DEPTH SHIM/OIL SLINGER
2 - DIFFERENTIAL BEARING SHIM
3 - RING GEAR
4 - DIFFERENTIAL BEARING SHIM
5 - COLLAPSIBLE SPACER
3 - 26 FRONT AXLE - 186FIAKJ
FRONT AXLE - 186FIA (Continued)