2002 JEEP LIBERTY differential

(3) Position assembled clutch disc packs on the
side gear hubs.
(4) Install clutch pack and side gear in the ring
gear side of the differential case (Fig. 62).Verify
clutch pack retaining clips are in position and
seated in the case pockets.
(5) Position the differential case on the Holding
Fixture 6965.
(6) Install lubricated Step Plate 6960-3 in lower
side gear (Fig. 63).
(7) Install the upper side gear and clutch disc pack
(Fig. 63).
(8) Hold assembly in position. Insert Threaded
Adapter 6960-1 into top side gear.
(9) Install Forcing Screw 6960-4 and tighten screw
to slightly compress clutch disc.
(10) Place pinion gears in position in side gears
and verify that the pinion mate shaft hole is aligned.(11) Rotate case with Turning Bar 6960-2 until the
pinion mate shaft holes in pinion gears align with
holes in case. It may be necessary to slightly tighten
the forcing screw in order to install the pinion gears.
(12) Tighten forcing screw to 122 N´m (90 ft. lbs.)
maximum to compress the Belleville springs.
(13) Lubricate and install thrust washers behind
pinion gears and align washers with a small screw
driver. Insert mate shaft into each pinion gear to ver-
ify alignment.
(14) Remove Forcing Screw, Step Plate and
Threaded Adapter.
(15) Install pinion gear mate shaft and align holes
in shaft and case.
(16) Install pinion mate shaft lock screw finger
tight to hold shaft during differential installation.
(17) Lubricate all differential components with
hypoid gear lubricant.
Fig. 62 CLUTCH PACK AND LOWER SIDE GEAR
1 - DIFFERENTIAL CASE
2 - SIDE GEAR AND CLUTCH PACK
Fig. 63 CLUTCH PACK AND UPPER SIDE GEAR
1 - SIDE GEAR AND CLUTCH PACK
2 - DIFFERENTIAL CASE
3 - STEP PLATE
3 - 78 REAR AXLE - 198RBIKJ
DIFFERENTIAL - TRAC-LOK (Continued)

DIFFERENTIAL CASE
BEARINGS
REMOVAL
(1) Remove differential case from axle housing.
(2) Remove side bearings from the differential case
with Puller/Press C-293-PA, Adapters 8352 and Plug
SP-3289 (Fig. 64).
INSTALLATION
NOTE: If differential side bearings or differential
case are replaced, differential side bearing shim
requirements may change. Refer to Adjustments
(Differential Bearing Preload and Gear Backlash) for
procedures.
(1) Install differential side bearings with Installer
C-3716-A and Handle C-4171 (Fig. 65).
(2) Install differential case in housing.
(3) Remove support and lower vehicle.
PINION GEAR/RING GEAR/
TONE RING
REMOVAL
NOTE: The ring and pinion gears are serviced as a
matched set. Never replace one gear without the
other gear.
(1) Raise and support vehicle.
(2) Mark pinion yoke and propeller shaft for
installation reference.
(3) Disconnect propeller shaft from pinion yoke
and tie shaft to underbody.
(4) Remove differential from housing.
(5) Place differential case in a vise with soft metal
jaw.
(6) Remove bolts holding ring gear to differential
case.
Fig. 64 DIFFERENTIAL CASE BEARING
1 - ADAPTERS
2 - BEARING
3 - DIFFERENTIAL
4 - PLUG
5 - PULLER
Fig. 65 DIFFERENTIAL CASE BEARINGS
1 - HANDLE
2 - DIFFERENTIAL
3 - BEARING
4 - INSTALLER
KJREAR AXLE - 198RBI 3 - 79

(7) Drive ring gear from differential case with a
rawhide hammer (Fig. 66).
(8) Hold pinion yoke with Spanner Wrench 6958
and remove pinion yoke nut and washer (Fig. 67).(9) Remove pinion yoke from pinion shaft with
Remover C-452 and Wrench C-3281 (Fig. 68).
(10) Remove pinion gear from housing (Fig. 69).
Fig. 66 RING GEAR
1 - DIFFERENTIAL CASE
2 - RING GEAR
3 - RAWHIDE HAMMER
Fig. 67 YOKE SPANNER WRENCH
1 - PINION YOKE
2 - WRENCH
3 - PIPE
Fig. 68 PINION YOKE REMOVER
1 - WRENCH
2 - YOKE
3 - REMOVER
Fig. 69 PINION GEAR
1 - RAWHIDE HAMMER
3 - 80 REAR AXLE - 198RBIKJ
PINION GEAR/RING GEAR/TONE RING (Continued)

(15) Invert the differential case and start two ring
gear bolts. This will provide case-to-ring gear bolt
hole alignment.
(16) Invert the differential case in the vise.
(17) Installnewring gear bolts and alternately
tighten to 129-142 N´m (95-105 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 83).
CAUTION: Do not reuse the bolts that held the ring
gear to the differential case. The bolts can fracture
causing extensive damage.
(18) Install differential in housing.
(19) Verify differential bearing preload, gear mesh
and contact pattern. Refer to Ajustments for proce-
dure.
(20) Install differential cover and fill with gear
lubricant.
(21) Install the propeller shaft with the reference
marks aligned.
(22) Remove supports and lower vehicle.
Fig. 83 RING GEAR
1 - TORQUE WRENCH
2 - RING GEAR BOLT
3 - RING GEAR
4 - CASE
KJREAR AXLE - 198RBI 3 - 85
PINION GEAR/RING GEAR/TONE RING (Continued)

REAR AXLE-81/4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
REAR AXLE-81/4
DESCRIPTION.........................86
OPERATION...........................86
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AXLE..........88
REMOVAL.............................91
INSTALLATION.........................91
ADJUSTMENTS........................92
SPECIFICATIONS
REAR AXLE..........................98
SPECIAL TOOLS
8 1/4 AXLE..........................98
AXLE SHAFTS
REMOVAL............................101
INSTALLATION........................101
AXLE SHAFT SEALS
REMOVAL............................101
INSTALLATION........................102
AXLE BEARINGS
REMOVAL............................102
INSTALLATION........................102PINION SEAL
REMOVAL............................102
INSTALLATION........................103
DIFFERENTIAL
REMOVAL............................104
DISASSEMBLY........................105
ASSEMBLY...........................105
INSTALLATION........................105
DIFFERENTIAL - TRAC-LOK
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TRAC-LOKT....106
DISASSEMBLY........................107
CLEANING...........................109
INSPECTION.........................109
ASSEMBLY...........................109
DIFFERENTIAL CASE BEARINGS
REMOVAL............................110
INSTALLATION........................110
PINION GEAR/RING GEAR/TONE RING
REMOVAL............................110
INSTALLATION........................112
REAR AXLE-81/4
DESCRIPTION
The axle housings consist of a cast iron center sec-
tion with axle tubes extending from either side. The
tubes are pressed into and welded to the differential
housing to form a one-piece axle housing. The axles
are equipped with semi-floating axle shafts, meaning
vehicle loads are supported by the axle shaft and
bearings. The axle shafts are retained by C-locks in
the differential side gears.
The differential case is a one-piece design. The dif-
ferential pinion mate shaft is retained with a
threaded pin. Differential bearing preload and ring
gear backlash are set and maintained by threaded
adjusters at the outside of the differential housing.
Pinion bearing preload is set and maintained by the
use of a collapsible spacer.
The differential cover provides a means for inspec-
tion and service without removing the complete axlefrom the vehicle. A vent hose is used to relieve inter-
nal pressure caused by lubricant vaporization and
internal expansion.
Axles equipped with a Trac-Loktdifferential are
optional. A differential has a one-piece differential
case, and the same internal components as a stan-
dard differential, plus two clutch disc packs.
OPERATION
The axle receives power from the transmission/
transfer case through the rear propeller shaft. The
rear propeller shaft is connected to the pinion gear
which rotates the differential through the gear mesh
with the ring gear bolted to the differential case. The
engine power is transmitted to the axle shafts
through the pinion mate and side gears. The side
gears are splined to the axle shafts.
3 - 86 REAR AXLE-81/4KJ

STANDARD DIFFERENTIAL
During straight-ahead driving, the differential pin-
ion gears do not rotate on the pinion mate shaft. This
occurs because input torque applied to the gears is
divided and distributed equally between the two side
gears. As a result, the pinion gears revolve with the
pinion mate shaft but do not rotate around it (Fig. 1).
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.
TRAC-LOKTDIFFERENTIAL
This differentials clutches are engaged by two con-
current forces. The first being the preload force
exerted through Belleville spring washers within the
clutch packs. The second is the separating forces gen-
erated by the side gears as torque is applied through
the ring gear (Fig. 3).
This design provides the differential action needed
for turning corners and for driving straight ahead
during periods of unequal traction. When one wheel
looses traction, the clutch packs transfer additional
torque to the wheel having the most traction. This
differential resist wheel spin on bumpy roads and
provide more pulling power when one wheel looses
Fig. 1 Differential Operation - Straight Ahead Driving
1 - IN STRAIGHT AHEAD DRIVING EACH WHEEL ROTATES AT
100% OF CASE SPEED
2 - PINION GEAR
3 - SIDE GEAR
4 - PINION GEARS ROTATE WITH CASE
Fig. 2 Differential Operation - On Turns
1 - PINION GEARS ROTATE ON PINION SHAFT
Fig. 3 Trac-lokTLimited Slip Differential
1 - CASE
2 - RING GEAR
3 - DRIVE PINION
4 - PINION GEAR
5 - MATE SHAFT
6 - CLUTCH PACK
7 - SIDE GEAR
8 - CLUTCH PACK
KJREAR AXLE - 8 1/4 3 - 87
REAR AXLE - 8 1/4 (Continued)

traction. Pulling power is provided continuously until
both wheels loose traction. If both wheels slip due to
unequal traction, Trac-lokŸ operation is normal. In
extreme cases of differences of traction, the wheel
with the least traction may spin.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AXLE
GEAR NOISE
Axle gear noise can be caused by insufficient lubri-
cant, incorrect backlash, incorrect pinion depth, 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 shaft can also cause a snap-
ping 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 changeswhen 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 a:
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 rearend vibra-
tion. Do not overlook engine accessories, brackets
and drive belts.
NOTE: All driveline components should be exam-
ined before starting any repair.
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.
²Transmission shift operation.
²Loose engine/transmission/transfer case mounts.
²Worn U-joints.
²Loose spring mounts.
²Loose pinion gear nut and yoke.
²Excessive ring gear backlash.
²Excessive 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 vehi-
cle 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.
3 - 88 REAR AXLE-81/4KJ
REAR AXLE - 8 1/4 (Continued)

DIAGNOSTIC CHART
Condition Possible Causes Correction
Wheel Noise 1. Wheel loose. 1. Tighten loose nuts.
2. Faulty, brinelled wheel bearing. 2. Replace bearing.
Axle Shaft Noise 1. Misaligned axle tube. 1. Inspect axle tube alignment.
Correct as necessary.
2. Bent or sprung axle shaft. 2. Inspect and correct as necessary.
Axle Shaft Broke 1. Misaligned axle tube. 1. Replace the broken shaft after
correcting tube mis-alignment.
2 Vehicle overloaded. 2. Replace broken shaft and avoid
excessive weight on vehicle.
3. Erratic clutch operation. 3. Replace broken shaft and avoid
or correct erratic clutch operation.
4. Grabbing clutch. 4. Replace broken shaft and inspect
and repair clutch as necessary.
Differential Cracked 1. Improper adjustment of the
differential bearings.1. Replace case and inspect gears
and bearings for further damage.
Set differential bearing pre-load
properly.
2. Excessive ring gear backlash. 2. Replace case and inspect gears
and bearings for further damage.
Set ring gear backlash properly.
3. Vehicle overloaded. 3. Replace case and inspect gears
and bearings for further damage.
Avoid excessive vehicle weight.
4. Erratic clutch operation. 4. Replace case and inspect gears
and bearings for further damage.
Avoid erratic use of clutch.
Differential Gears Scored 1. Insufficient lubrication. 1. Replace scored gears. Fill
differential with the correct fluid type
and quantity.
2. Improper grade of lubricant. 2. Replace scored gears. Fill
differential with the correct fluid type
and quantity.
3. Excessive spinning of one
wheel/tire.3. Replace scored gears. Inspect all
gears, pinion bores, and shaft for
damage. Service as necessary.
KJREAR AXLE - 8 1/4 3 - 89
REAR AXLE - 8 1/4 (Continued)