2002 JEEP LIBERTY rear differential

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)

REAR
SPECIAL TOOLS
REAR SUSPENSION
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. 9)(4) Separate the ball joint arm assembly from the
differential housing by prying upwards.
(5) Remove the upper suspension arm from the
vehicle (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/REAR/UPPER
CONTROL ARM - REMOVAL).
(6) Secure the suspension arm in a vise.
(7) Install special tools C-4212F (press), 8861-3
(driver) and 8861-2 (receiver) (Fig. 10)
(8) Press out the old ball joint.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install special tools C-4212F (press), 8861-1
(receiver) and 8861-2 (driver) with the ball joint in
place (Fig. 11).
BALL JOINT PRESS - C-4212F
REMOVER / INSTALLER REAR UPPER BALL JOINT
- 8861
REMOVAL / INSTALLATION REAR UPPER
CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS - 8860
Fig. 9 BALL JOINT PINCH BOLT
1 - UPPER BALL JOINT
2 - PINCH BOLT
Fig. 10 UPPER BALL JOINT - REMOVAL
1 - C-4212F PRESS
2 - 8861-3 DRIVER
3 - 8861-2 RECEIVER
2s - 6 SUSPENSIONKJ

(2) Press the ball joint in the upper suspension
arm.
(3) Remove the upper suspension arm from the
vise.
(4) Reinstall the upper suspension arm (Refer to 2
- SUSPENSION/REAR/UPPER CONTROL ARM -
INSTALLATION).
(5) Raise the rear axle with a hydraulic jack to
align the ball joint with the differential housing
bracket.
(6) Insert the ball joint into the differential hous-
ing bracket.
(7) Install the ball joint pinch bolt and tighten to
95 N´m (70 ft. lbs.). (Fig. 9).
(8) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
BUSHINGS
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - LOWER SUSPENSION ARM
BUSHING
(1) Remove the lower suspension arm (Refer to 2 -
SUSPENSION/REAR/LOWER CONTROL ARM -
REMOVAL).
(2) Secure the suspension arm in a vise.
NOTE: Extreme pressure lubrication must be used
on the threaded portions of the tool. This will
increase the longevity of the tool and insure proper
operation during the removal and installation pro-
cess.(3) Install special tools 8862-4 (receiver), 8862-5
(spacer) and 8862-1 or 8862- 2 (driver) with the
threaded rod 8839 and the bearing as shown (Fig. 12)
(4) Press out the bushing.
REMOVAL - UPPER SUSPENSION ARM
BUSHING
(1) Remove the upper suspension arm (Refer to 2 -
SUSPENSION/REAR/UPPER CONTROL ARM -
REMOVAL).
(2) Secure the suspension arm in a vise.
NOTE: Extreme pressure lubrication must be used
on the threaded portions of the tool. This will
increase the longevity of the tool and insure proper
operation during the removal and installation pro-
cess.
(3) Install special tools 8853-3 (driver), 8860-1
(receiver) and with the threaded rod 8838 and the
bearing as shown (Fig. 13)
(4) Press out the bushing.
Fig. 11 UPPER BALL JOINT - INSTALLATION
1 - C-4212F PRESS
2 - 8861-1 RECEIVER
3 - 8861-2 DRIVER
Fig. 12 LOWER SUSPENSION ARM BUSHING
REMOVAL
1 - 8839 THREADED ROD
2 - 8862-4 RECEIVER
3 - 8862-5 SPACER
4 - 8862-1 OR 8862-2 DRIVERS
KJSUSPENSION 2s - 7
UPPER BALL JOINT (Continued)

DIFFERENTIAL & DRIVELINE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
PROPELLER SHAFT......................1
HALF SHAFT...........................10
FRONT AXLE - 186FIA....................19REAR AXLE - 198RBI.....................49
REAR AXLE-81/4.......................86
PROPELLER SHAFT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
PROPELLER SHAFT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PROPELLER
SHAFT...............................1
STANDARD PROCEDURES - PROPELLER
SHAFT ANGLE........................3
SPECIFICATIONS
PROPELLER SHAFT....................6
SPECIAL TOOLS........................6
PROPELLER SHAFT - FRONT
REMOVAL.............................6INSTALLATION..........................6
PROPELLER SHAFT - REAR
REMOVAL.............................7
INSTALLATION..........................7
SINGLE CARDAN UNIVERSAL JOINTS
DISASSEMBLY..........................8
ASSEMBLY.............................9
PROPELLER SHAFT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PROPELLER
SHAFT
VIBRATION
Tires that are out-of-round, or wheels that are
unbalanced, will cause a low frequency vibration.
Brake rotors that are unbalanced will cause a
harsh, low frequency vibration.Driveline vibration can also result from loose or
damaged engine mounts.
Propeller shaft vibration increases as the vehicle
speed is increased. A vibration that occurs within a
specific speed range is not usually caused by a pro-
peller shaft being unbalanced. Defective joints or an
incorrect propeller shaft angle, are usually the cause
of such a vibration.
KJDIFFERENTIAL & DRIVELINE 3 - 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.
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)