2002 JEEP LIBERTY Body

GROUP TAB LOCATOR
Introduction
0Lubrication & Maintenance
2Suspension
2SSuspension
3Differential & Driveline
5Brakes
5SBrakes
6Clutch
7Cooling
7SCooling
8AAudio
8BChime/Buzzer
8EElectronic Control Modules
8FEngine Systems
8GHeated Systems
8HHorn
8IIgnition Control
8JInstrument Cluster
8LLamps
8LSLamps
8MMessage Systems
8NPower Systems
8ORestraints
8PSpeed Control
8QVehicle Theft Security
8RWipers/Washers
8WWiring
9Engine
9SEngine
11Exhaust System
11SExhaust System
13Frame & Bumpers
14Fuel System
19Steering
21Transmission and Transfer Case
22Tires/Wheels
23Body
24Heating & Air Conditioning
25Emissions Control
Component and System Index
2.4L Gas Component and System Index
Service Manual Comment Forms
NOTE: For New Vehicle Preparation information, see the separate
publication, 81-170-00003.
NOTE: Group names with the suffix(S(indicate groups pertaining to the
the 2.4L Gas Supplement

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER DECODING CHART
POSITION INTERPRETATION CODE = DESCRIPTION
1 Country of Origin 1 = United States
2 Make J = Jeep
3 Vehicle Type 4 = MPV W/O Side Airbags.
8 = MPV With Side Airbags.
4 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating F = 4001 - 5000 lbs.
G = 5001 - 6000 lbs.
5 Vehicle Line K = Liberty 4X2 (LHD)
L = Liberty 4X4 (LHD)
M = Cherokee 4X4 (RHD)
6 Series 3 = Liberty Renegade
4 = Liberty Sport/Cherokee Sport
5 = Liberty Limited/Cherokee Limited
7 Body Style 8 = Sport Utility - 4 Door
8 Engine K = 3.7L 6 cyl MPI Gasoline
1 = 2.4L 4 cyl MPI Gasoline
7 = 2.5L 4 cyl Diesel
9 Check Digit 0 through 9 or X
10 Model Year 2=2002
11 Assembly Plant W = Toledo North Assembly Plant
12 thru 17 Vehicle Build Sequence
VEHICLE SAFETY
CERTIFICATION LABEL
DESCRIPTION
A vehicle safety certification label (Fig. 6) is
attached to every DaimlerChrysler Corporation vehi-
cle. The label certifies that the vehicle conforms to all
applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
The label also lists:
²Month and year of vehicle manufacture.
²Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The gross
front and rear axle weight ratings (GAWR's) arebased on a minimum rim size and maximum cold tire
inflation pressure.
²Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
²Type of vehicle.
²Bar code.
²Month, Day and Hour (MDH) of final assembly.
²Paint and Trim codes.
²Country of origin.
The label is located above the door hinge on the
driver-side A-pillar.
Fig. 6 Vehicle Safety Certification LabelÐTypical
KJINTRODUCTION 9
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (Continued)

FLUID FILL/CHECK
LOCATIONS
DESCRIPTION
The fluid check/fill point locations are located in
each applicable service manual section.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
DESCRIPTION
9Maintenance Schedule Information not included in
this section, is located in the appropriate Owner's
Manual.9
HOISTING
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HOISTING
RECOMMENDATIONS
Refer to the Owner's Manual for emergency vehicle
lifting procedures.
When properly positioned, a floor jack can be used
to lift a Jeep vehicle (Fig. 4). Support the vehicle in
the raised position with jack stands at the front and
rear ends of the frame rails.CAUTION: Do not attempt to lift a Jeep vehicle with
a floor jack positioned under:
²A body side sill.
²A steering linkage component.
²A drive shaft.
²The engine or transmission oil pan.
²The fuel tank.
²A front suspension arm.
²Transfer case.
NOTE: Use the correct sub-frame rail or frame rail
lifting locations only.
HOIST
Refer to the Owner's Manual for emergency vehicle
lifting procedures.
A vehicle can be lifted with:
²A single-post, frame-contact hoist.
²A twin-post, chassis hoist.
²A ramp-type, drive-on hoist.
NOTE: When a frame-contact type hoist is used,
verify that the lifting pads are positioned properly.
WARNING: THE HOISTING AND JACK LIFTING
POINTS PROVIDED ARE FOR A COMPLETE VEHI-
CLE. WHEN A CHASSIS OR DRIVETRAIN COMPO-
NENT IS REMOVED FROM A VEHICLE, THE
CENTER OF GRAVITY IS ALTERED MAKING SOME
HOISTING CONDITIONS UNSTABLE. PROPERLY
SUPPORT OR SECURE VEHICLE TO HOISTING
DEVICE WHEN THESE CONDITIONS EXIST.
Fig. 4 Correct Vehicle Lifting Locations
1 - Frame Contact Lift (Single Post)
Chassis Lift (Non-Axle Dual Post)
Outboard Lift (Dual Post)
Floor Jack
2 - Floor Jack
KJLUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE 0 - 5

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REAR SUSPENSION
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
VEHICLE INSTABILITY 1. Loose or worn wheel bearings. 1. Replace wheel bearings.
2. Loose, worn or bent suspension
components.2. Inspect, tighten or replace components
as necessary.
3. Tire pressure. 3. Adjust tire pressure.
VEHICLE PULLS TO ONE
SIDE1. Weak or broken spring. 1. Replace spring.
2. Alignment. 2. Align vehicle to specifications.
3.Tires. 3. Replace tires.
4. Brakes. 4. Repair as necassary.
KNOCKING, RATTLING
OR SQUEAKING1. Worn shock bushings. 1. Replace shock.
2. Loose shock mounting. 2. Tighten to specifications.
3. Shock valve. 3. Replace shock.
4. Loose upper ball joint. 4. Replace ball joint.
5. Loose, worn or bent suspension
components.5. Inspect, tighten or replace components
as necessary.
IMPROPER TRACKING 1. Loose, worn or bent suspension
components.1. Inspect, tighten or replace components
as necessary.
2. Bent axle. 2.Replace axle.
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Shock Absorber Upper Nut 108 80 Ð
Shock Absorber Lower Nut 115 85 Ð
Suspension Arm Upper Ball Joint Nut 95 70 Ð
Suspension Arm Upper Frame Bolts 100 74 Ð
Rear Upper Ball Joint Bracket Bolts 136 100 Ð
Suspension Arms Lower Body/Axle Bracket Nut 163 120 Ð
Suspension Arms Lower Frame Bracket Nut 163 120 Ð
Stabilizer Bar Bolts 99 73 Ð
KJREAR 2 - 17
REAR (Continued)

UPPER BALL JOINT
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Support the rear axle with a hydraulic jack.
(3) Remove the ball joint pinch bolt from the top of
the axle. (Fig. 7)
(4) Seperate the ball joint arm assembly from the
differential housing by prying upwards.
INSTALLATION
(1)Raise the rear axle with a hydraulic jack to align
the ball joint with the differential housing bracket.
(2) Insert the ball joint into the differential hous-
ing bracket.
(3) Install the ball joint pinch bolt and tighten to
95 N´m (70 ft. lbs.). (Fig. 7).
(4) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
UPPER CONTROL ARM
DESCRIPTION - UPPER SUSPENSION ARM,
BUSHINGS, AND BALL JOINT
The suspension arm uses vertical spool bushings to
isolate road noise. The suspension arm is bolted
through bushings to cage nuts in the body and a ball
joint to the top of the differential housing.
OPERATION - UPPER SUSPENSION ARM,
BUSHINGS, AND BALL JOINT
The upper suspension arm provides fore/aft and
lateral location of the rear axle. The suspension arm
travel is limited through the use of jounce bumpers
in compression and shock absorbers in rebound.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Support the rear axle with a hydraulic jack.
(3) Remove the ball joint pinch bolt from the top of
the differential housing bracket (Fig. 7).
(4) Remove partial nuts from the heat shield in
order to lower the shield down enough to get the
proper clearence to remove the right side bolt from
the body.
(5) Remove the upper suspension arm mounting
bolts from the body and remove the arm (Fig. 8).
(6) Remove the support bracket mounting bolts if
needed. (Fig. 9)
Fig. 7 BALL JOINT PINCH BOLT
1 - UPPER BALL JOINT
2 - PINCH BOLTFig. 8 UPPER CONTROL ARM
1 - BODY MOUNTS
2 - UPPER BALL JOINT
3 - STABILIZER BAR
4 - UPPER CONTROL ARM
5 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
Fig. 9 BALL JOINT BRACKET
1 - UPPER BALL JOINT
2 - SUPPORT BRACKET BOLTS
2 - 20 REARKJ

INSTALLATION
(1) Position the upper suspension arm in the
frame rail brackets (Fig. 8).
(2) Install the mounting bolts and tighten to 100
N´m (74 ft. lbs.).
(3) Retighten the heat shield back into place.
(4) Pull the arm down on the differential housing
bracket and install the pinch bolt and nut. Tighten
the nut to 95 N´m (70 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 7).
(5) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
LOWER CONTROL ARM
DESCRIPTION
The lower suspension arms are stamped steel and
welded and use voided round bushings at the axle
end and solid rubber at the body end of the arm.
OPERATION
The bushings provide isolation from the axle. The
arms mount to the unibody frame rail bracket and
the axle brackets. The arm and bushings provide
location and react to loads.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise the vehicle and support the rear axle.
(2) Remove the stabilizer bar retaining bolts from
the suspension arm.
(3) Remove the lower suspension arm nut and bolt
from the axle bracket (Fig. 10).
NOTE: When removing the right side suspension
arm from the frame rail it will be necessary to pry
the exhaust over slightly to allow enough clearance
to remove the bolt.
(4) Remove the nut and bolt (Fig. 10) from the
frame rail and remove the lower suspension arm.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the lower suspension arm in the axle
bracket and frame rail bracket.NOTE: The end of the arm with the voided round
bushing attaches to the axle bracket.
(2) Install the axle bracket bolt and nut finger
tight (Fig. 10).
NOTE: When installing the right side suspension
arm to the frame rail it will be necessary to pry the
exhaust over slightly to allow enough clearance to
install the bolt.
(3) Install the frame rail bracket bolt and nut fin-
ger tight.
(4) Install the stabilizer bar retaining bolts to the
suspension arm.
(5) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
(6) With the vehicle on the ground tighten the nut
at the frame to 163 N´m (120 ft. lbs.). Tighten the
nut at the axle bracket to 163 N´m (120 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 10 LOWER SUSPENSION ARM
1 - AXLE BRACKET BOLT
2 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
3 - BODY BRACKET BOLT
KJREAR 2 - 21
UPPER CONTROL ARM (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Install differential case bearings with Installer
C-3716-A and Handle C-4171 (Fig. 45).
(2) Install differential into the housing.
PINION GEAR/RING GEAR
REMOVAL
NOTE: The ring gear and pinion are serviced as a
matched set. Never replace ring gear without
replacing the matched pinion gear.
(1) Raise and support vehicle
(2) Mark pinion companion flange and propeller
shaft for installation alignment.
(3) Remove propeller shaft from pinion companion
flange and tie propeller shaft to underbody.
(4) Remove axle assembly from the vehicle.
(5) Remove differential from axle housing.
(6) Place differential case in a vise with soft metal
jaw (Fig. 46).
(7) Remove bolts holding ring gear to differential
case.
(8) Driver ring gear off the differential case with a
rawhide hammer (Fig. 46).(9) With Spanner Wrench 6958 and a short length
of 1 in. pipe, hold pinion companion flange and
remove pinion nut (Fig. 47).
Fig. 45 DIFFERENTIAL CASE BEARINGS
1 - HANDLE
2 - DIFFERENTIAL
3 - BEARING
4 - INSTALLER
Fig. 46 RING GEAR
1 - DIFFERENTIAL CASE
2 - RING GEAR
3 - HAMMER
Fig. 47 PINION COMPANION FLANGE
1 - SPANNER WRENCH
2 - PINION COMPANION FLANGE
3 - 44 FRONT AXLE - 186FIAKJ
DIFFERENTIAL CASE BEARINGS (Continued)

REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Position a lift/jack under the axle and secure
axle to device.
(3) Remove wheels and tires.
(4) Mark propeller shaft and pinion yoke for
installation reference.
(5) Remove propeller shaft and suspend under the
vehicle.
(6) Remove brake drums, parking brake cables and
speed sensor from the axle.
(7) Disconnect the brake hose at the body junction
block.
(8) Remove brakes and backing plates.
(9) Remove vent hose from the axle shaft tube.
(10) Remove the stabilizer bar (Fig. 5).
(11) Remove upper control arm ball joint pinch
bolt from bracket (Fig. 6).
(12) Remove shock absorbers from axle brackets
(Fig. 7).
(13) Loosen all lower control arms mounting bolts
(Fig. 8).
(14) Lower axle enough to remove coil springs and
spring insulators.
(15) Remove lower control arm bolts from the axle
brackets.
(16) Lower and remove the axle.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: The weight of the vehicle must be sup-
ported by the springs before the lower control arms
are tightened. This must be done to maintain vehi-
cle ride height and prevent premature bushing fail-
ure.(1) Raise the axle under the vehicle.
(2) Install lower control arms onto the axle brack-
ets and loosely install the mounting bolts.
(3) Install coil spring isolators and spring.
(4) Raise axle up until springs are seated.
(5) Install upper control arm ball joint into axle
bracket and tighten pinch bolt to torque specification.
(6) Install shock absorbers and tighten nuts to
torque specification.
(7) Install stabilizer bar and tighten nuts to torque
specification.
(8) Install brake backing plates, parking brake
cables, brake drums and speed sensor.
(9) Install brake hose to the body junction block
and bleed the brakes.
Fig. 5 STABILIZER BAR MOUNTS
1 - STABILIZER BAR MOUNTING BOLTS
2 - LOWER SUSPENSION ARM
Fig. 6 BALL JOINT PINCH BOLT
1 - UPPER BALL JOINT
2 - PINCH BOLT
Fig. 7 SHOCK ABSORBER
1 - UPPER MOUNTING BOLT
2 - LOWER MOUNTING BOLT
3 - 54 REAR AXLE - 198RBIKJ
REAR AXLE - 198RBI (Continued)