2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE Front differential seal

(6) If the rotating torque is low, use Spanner
Wrench 6958 to hold the pinion yoke (Fig. 37), and
tighten the pinion nut in 6.8 N´m (5 ft. lbs.) incre-
ments until the proper rotating torque is achieved.
CAUTION: If maximum tightening torque is reached
prior to reaching required rotating torque, the col-
lapsible spacer may have been damaged. Replace
the collapsible spacer.
(7) Install the propeller shaft with reference marks
aligned.
(8) Add gear lubricant to the differential if neces-
sary.
(9) Install brake rotors and calipers.
(10) Install wheel and tire assemblies.
(11) Lower the vehicle.
COLLAPSIBLE SPACER
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove wheel and tire assemblies.
(3) Remove rear brake calipers and rotors.
(4) Mark propeller shaft and pinion yoke for
installation reference and remove propeller shaft.
(5) Rotate pinion gear a minimum of ten times and
verify pinion rotates smoothly.
(6) Record rotate torque of the pinion gear, with an
inch pound torque wrench.
(7) Hold pinion yoke with Spanner Wrench 6958
and remove pinion nut and washer (Fig. 38).
(8) Remove pinion yoke with Remover C-452 and
Wrench C-3281 (Fig. 39).(9) Remove pinion shaft seal with Remover 7794-A
and slide hammer (Fig. 40).
(10) Remove front pinion bearing using a pair of
pick tools to pull the bearing off the pinion gear
shaft.
NOTE: If the pinion bearing becomes bound on the
pinion shaft, lightly tap the end of the shaft with a
rawhide/rubber mallet.
(11) Remove the collapsible spacer.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install anewcollapsible spacer on pinion
shaft.
(2) Install pinion front bearing on the pinion shaft.
Fig. 37 PINION SHAFT NUT
1 - SPANNER WRENCH
2 - PIPE
3 - TORQUE WRENCH
Fig. 38 PINION YOKE HOLDER
1 - 1 in. PIPE
2 - PINION YOKE
3 - SPANNER WRENCH
4 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
Fig. 39 PINION YOKE PULLER
1 - WRENCH
2 - PINION YOKE
3 - PULLER
WJREAR AXLE - 198RBI 3 - 73
PINION SEAL (Continued)

REAR AXLE - 226RBA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
REAR AXLE - 226RBA
DESCRIPTION.........................90
OPERATION...........................90
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING................92
REMOVAL.............................95
INSTALLATION.........................96
ADJUSTMENTS........................97
SPECIFICATIONS......................105
SPECIAL TOOLS.......................106
AXLE SHAFTS
REMOVAL............................109
INSTALLATION........................109
AXLE BEARINGS/SEALS
REMOVAL............................109
INSTALLATION........................110
PINION SEAL
REMOVAL............................111
INSTALLATION........................112
COLLAPSIBLE SPACER
REMOVAL............................113INSTALLATION........................114
DIFFERENTIAL
REMOVAL............................115
DISASSEMBLY........................117
ASSEMBLY...........................117
INSTALLATION........................117
DIFFERENTIAL - TRAC-LOK
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING...............119
DISASSEMBLY........................119
CLEANING...........................121
INSPECTION.........................121
ASSEMBLY...........................121
DIFFERENTIAL CASE BEARINGS
REMOVAL............................123
INSTALLATION........................123
PINION GEAR/RING GEAR
REMOVAL............................124
INSTALLATION........................126
REAR AXLE - 226RBA
DESCRIPTION
The Rear Beam-design Aluminum (RBA) axle hous-
ing has an aluminum center casting (differential
housing) with axle shaft tubes extending from either
side. The tubes are pressed into the differential hous-
ing to form a one-piece axle housing. The axle has
semi-floating axle shafts, meaning that vehicle load
is supported by the axle shaft and bearings.
The differential case is a one-piece design. Differen-
tial bearing preload and ring gear backlash is adjusted
with selective shims. Pinion bearing preload is set and
maintained by the use of a collapsible spacer. The cover
provides a means for inspection and service.
Optional Trac-Loktdifferential differential has a
one-piece differential case, and the same internal
components as a standard differential, plus two
clutch disc packs.
Optional Vari-Loktdifferential has a one-piece dif-
ferential case which contains the gerotor pump
assembly and the clutch mechinism. The unit is ser-
viced only as an assembly.
OPERATION
The axle receives power from the transfer case
through the front propeller shaft. The front propellershaft 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.
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.
3 - 90 REAR AXLE - 226RBAWJ

(9) Remove pinion shaft seal with Remover 7794-A
and slide hammer (Fig. 40).
(10)
Remove front pinion bearing using a pair of pick
tools to pull the bearing off the pinion gear shaft.
NOTE: If the pinion bearing becomes bound on the
pinion shaft, lightly tap the end of the shaft with a
rawhide/rubber mallet.
(11) Remove the collapsible spacer.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install anewcollapsible spacer on pinion
shaft.
(2) Install pinion front bearing on the pinion shaft.
(3) Apply a light coating of gear lubricant on the
lip of pinion seal and install seal with an appropriate
installer (Fig. 41).
(4) Install yoke with Installer C-3718 and Spanner
Wrench 6958 (Fig. 42).(5) Install yoke washer andnewnut on the pinion
gear. Tighten the nut to 271 N´m (200 ft. lbs.).
CAUTION: Never loosen pinion gear nut to decrease
pinion rotating torque and never exceed specified pre-
load torque. If preload torque or rotating torque is
exceeded a new collapsible spacer must be installed.
(6) Using yoke with Spanner Wrench 6958 and a
torque wrench set at 380 N´m (280 ft. lbs.), (Fig. 43)
slowly tighten the nut in 6.8 N´m (5 ft. lbs.) incre-
ments until the rotating torque is achieved. Measure
the rotating torque frequently to avoid over crushing
the collapsible spacer (Fig. 44).
Fig. 43 PINION NUT
1 - SPANNER WRENCH
2 - PIPE
3 - TORQUE WRENCH
Fig. 40 PINION SEAL REMOVER
1 - REMOVER
2 - SLIDE HAMMER
3 - PINION SEAL
Fig. 41 PINION SEAL INSTALLER
1 - HANDLE
2 - INSTALLER
Fig. 42 Pinion Yoke Installer
1 - INSTALLER
2 - PINION YOKE
3 - DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING
4 - SPANNER WRENCH
3 - 114 REAR AXLE - 226RBAWJ
COLLAPSIBLE SPACER (Continued)

TRANSFER CASE - NV242
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
TRANSFER CASE - NV242
DESCRIPTION........................280
OPERATION..........................281
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TRANSFER
CASE - NV242.......................281
REMOVAL............................282
DISASSEMBLY........................282
CLEANING...........................292
INSPECTION.........................293
ASSEMBLY...........................295
INSTALLATION........................307
SPECIFICATIONS
TRANSFER CASE - NV242.............308
SPECIAL TOOLS
TRANSFER CASE - NV242.............308
FLUID
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID DRAIN/
REFILL............................310FRONT OUTPUT SHAFT SEAL
REMOVAL............................310
INSTALLATION........................310
POSITION SENSOR
DESCRIPTION........................311
OPERATION..........................311
REMOVAL............................312
INSTALLATION........................312
REAR RETAINER BUSHING AND SEAL -
NV242HD
REMOVAL............................312
INSTALLATION........................312
SHIFT CABLE
REMOVAL............................313
INSTALLATION........................313
TRANSFER CASE - NV242
DESCRIPTION
The NV242 is a full transfer case (Fig. 1). It pro-
vides full time 2-wheel, or 4-wheel drive operation.
A differential in the transfer case is used to control
torque transfer to the front and rear axles. A low
range gear provides increased low speed torque capa-
bility for off road operation. The low range provides a
2.72:1 reduction ratio.
The geartrain is mounted in two aluminum case
halves attached with bolts. The mainshaft front and
rear bearings are mounted in aluminum retainer
housings bolted to the case halves.
TRANSFER CASE IDENTIFICATION
Two versions of the NV242 are used in the WJ
vehicles, NV242LD and NV242HD. The two transfer
cases can be distinguished from one another by the
rear output shaft retainer. The NV242LD uses a rub-
ber boot to cover the rear output shaft, while the
NV242HD uses a cast aluminum housing. Other than
this difference, the two transfer cases are serviced
the same.
A circular ID tag is attached to the rear case of
each transfer case (Fig. 2). The ID tag provides the
transfer case model number, assembly number, serial
number, and low range ratio.The transfer case serial number also represents
the date of build.
SHIFT MECHANISM
Operating ranges are selected with a lever in the
floor mounted shifter assembly. The shift lever is con-
nected to the transfer case range lever by an adjust-
able cable. A straight line shift pattern is used.
Range positions are marked on the shifter bezel.
Fig. 1 NV242 Transfer Case
21 - 280 TRANSFER CASE - NV242WJ

(7) Inspect low range annulus gear (Fig. 42).Gear
is not a serviceable component. If damaged,
replace gear and front case as assembly.
(8) Remove oil seals from following components:
²front bearing retainer.
²rear retainer.
²oil pump.
²case halves.
DIFFERENTIAL
(1) Mark differential case halves for reference.
(2) Remove differential case bolts.
(3) Invert differential on workbench.
(4) Separate top case from bottom case. Use slots
in case halves to pry them apart (Fig. 43).
(5) Remove thrust washers and planet gears from
case pins (Fig. 44).
(6) Remove mainshaft and sprocket gears from
bottom case (Fig. 45). Note gear position for reference
before separating them.
CLEANING
Clean the transfer case parts with a standard
parts cleaning solvent. Remove all traces of sealer
from the cases and retainers with a scraper and all
purpose cleaner. Use compressed air to remove sol-
vent residue from oil feed passages in the case
halves, retainers, gears, and shafts.
The oil pickup screen can be cleaned with solvent.
Shake excess solvent from the screen after cleaning
and allow it to air dry. Do not use compressed air.
Fig. 42 Inspecting Low Range Annulus Gear
1 - LOW RANGE ANNULUS GEAR
Fig. 43 Separating Differential Case Halves
1 - TOP CASE
2 - CASE BOLTS
3 - CASE BOLTS
4 - CASE SLOTS
5 - CASE BOLTS
Fig. 44 Planet Gears And Thrust Washer Removal
1 - MAINSHAFT GEAR
2 - THRUST WASHERS (12)
3 - PLANET GEARS (6)
21 - 292 TRANSFER CASE - NV242WJ
TRANSFER CASE - NV242 (Continued)

(5) Align and position differential top case on bot-
tom case (Fig. 67). Align using scribe marks made at
disassembly.
(6) While holding differential case halves together,
invert the differential and start the differential case
bolts.
(7) Tighten differential case bolts to specified
torque.
INPUT GEAR/LOW RANGE ASSEMBLY
(1) Assemble low range gear, input gear thrust
washers, input gear and input gear retainer (Fig. 68).
(2) Install low range gear snap ring (Fig. 69).
(3) Lubricate input gear and low range gears with
automatic transmission fluid.
(4) Start input gear shaft into front case bearing.
(5) Press input gear shaft into front bearing.
(6) Install new input gear snap ring (Fig. 70).
(7) Apply 3 mm (1/8 in.) wide bead of Mopartgas-
ket maker or silicone adhesive sealer to seal surface
of front bearing retainer.
(8) Install front bearing retainer (Fig. 71). Tighten
retainer bolts to 16 ft. lbs. (21 N´m) torque.
SHIFT FORKS, SECTOR, AND MAINSHAFT
(1) Install the shift sector shaft o-ring and bush-
ing.
(2) Install shift sector.(3) Install new pads on low range fork, if neces-
sary.
(4) Assemble low range fork and sleeve.
Fig. 67 Differential Case Assembly
1 - TOP CASE
2 - BOTTOM CASE
3 - CASE ALIGNMENT MARKS
Fig. 68 Low Range And Input Gear Assembly
1 - THRUST WASHERS
2 - LOW RANGE GEAR
3 - INPUT GEAR
4 - RETAINER
Fig. 69 Install Low Range Gear Snap-Ring
1 - LOW RANGE GEAR SNAP-RING
21 - 300 TRANSFER CASE - NV242WJ
TRANSFER CASE - NV242 (Continued)

NV242HD REAR RETAINER
(1) Apply bead of MopartSealer, or LoctiteŸ
Ultra Gray, to mating surface of rear retainer. Sealer
bead should be a maximum of 3/16 in.
(2) Install rear retainer on rear case. Tighten
retainer bolts to 20-27 N´m (15-20 ft. lbs.) torque.
(3) Install new output shaft bearing snap-ring
(Fig. 91). Lift mainshaft slightly to seat snap-ring in
shaft groove, if necessary.
(4) Apply 3 mm (1/8 in.) wide bead of Mopartgas-
ket maker or silicone adhesive sealer to mounting
surface of extension housing. Allow sealer to set-up
slightly before proceeding.(5) Install extension housing on rear retainer.
(6) Install extension housing bolts and tighten to
35-46 N´m (26-34 ft. lbs.).
COMPANION FLANGE
(1) Lubricate companion flange hub with transmis-
sion fluid and install flange on front shaft.
(2) Install new seal washer on front shaft.
(3) Install flange on front shaft and tighten nut to
122-176 N´m (90-130 ft. lbs.).
INSTALLATION
(1) Mount transfer case on a transmission jack.
(2) Secure transfer case to jack with chains.
(3) Position transfer case under vehicle.
(4) Align transfer case and transmission shafts
and install transfer case on transmission.
(5) Install and tighten transfer case attaching nuts
to 35 N´m (26 ft. lbs.) torque (Fig. 4).
(6) Align and connect propeller shafts. (Refer to 3 -
DIFFERENTIAL & DRIVELINE/PROPELLER
SHAFT/PROPELLER SHAFT - INSTALLATION)
(7) Fill transfer case with correct fluid. Check
transmission fluid level. Correct as necessary.
(8) Install rear crossmember and skid plate, if
equipped. Tighten crossmember bolts to 41 N´m (30
ft. lbs.) torque.
(9) Remove transmission jack and support stand.
(10) Connect shift rod to transfer case range lever.
(11) Connect transfer case vent hose and transfer
case position sensor.
(12) Adjust transfer case shift cable.
(13) Lower vehicle and verify transfer case shift
operation.
Fig. 91 Install Output Bearing Snap-ring
1 - REAR RETAINER
2 - SNAP-RING
3 - REAR BEARING
WJTRANSFER CASE - NV242 21 - 307
TRANSFER CASE - NV242 (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
NOISY INÐOR JUMPS OUT OF
4WD LOW RANGE1. Transfer case not completely
engaged in 4WD LOW (possibly
from shift to 4L while rolling)1. Stop vehicle, shift transfer case
to neutral, then shift back to 4WD
LOW
2. Shift linkage loose, binding, or is
misadjusted2. Tighten, lubricate, or repair
linkage as necessary. Adjust linkage
if necessary
3. Range fork cracked, inserts
worn, or fork is binding on shift rail3. Disassemble unit and repair as
necessary
4. Annulus gear or lockplate worn
or damaged4. Disassemble unit and repair as
necessary
LUBRICANT LEAKING FROM
OUTPUT SHAFT SEALS OR FROM
VENT1. Transfer case over filled 1. Drain to correct level
2. Vent closed or restricted 2. Clear or replace vent if necessary
3. Output shaft seals damaged or
installed correctly3. Replace seals. Be sure seal lip
faces interior of case when installed.
Also be sure yoke seal surfaces are
not scored or nicked. Remove
scores and nicks with fine
sandpaper or replace yoke(s) if
necessary.
REMOVAL
(1) Shift transfer case into NEUTRAL.
(2) Raise vehicle.
(3) Remove transfer case drain plug and drain
transfer case lubricant.
(4) Mark front and rear propeller shaft yokes for
alignment reference.
(5) Support transmission with jack stand.
(6) Remove rear crossmember and skid plate, if
equipped (Fig. 4).
(7) Disconnect front propeller shaft from transfer
case at companion flange. Remove rear propeller
shaft from vehicle. (Refer to 3 - DIFFERENTIAL &
DRIVELINE/PROPELLER SHAFT/PROPELLER
SHAFT - REMOVAL)
CAUTION: Do not allow propshafts to hang at
attached end. Damage to joint can result.
(8) Disconnect transfer case cable from range
lever.
(9) Disconnect transfer case vent hose (Fig. 5).
(10) Support transfer case with transmission jack.
(11) Secure transfer case to jack with chains.
(12) Remove nuts attaching transfer case to trans-
mission.
(13) Pull transfer case and jack rearward to disen-
gage transfer case (Fig. 5).
(14) Remove transfer case from under vehicle.
DISASSEMBLY
Position transfer case on shallow drain pan.
Remove drain plug and drain lubricant remaining in
case.
Fig. 4 Crossmember Removal
1 - CROSSMEMBER
2 - REAR TRANSMISSION MOUNT
WJTRANSFER CASE - NV247 21 - 317
TRANSFER CASE - NV247 (Continued)