2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE Vari lok

Condition Possible Causes Correction
Gear Teeth Broke 1. Overloading. 1. Replace gears. Examine other
gears and bearings for possible
damage.
2. Erratic clutch operation. 2. Replace gears and examine the
remaining parts for damage. Avoid
erratic clutch operation.
3. Ice-spotted pavement. 3. Replace gears and examine
remaining parts for damage.
4. Improper adjustments. 4. Replace gears and examine
remaining parts for damage. Ensure
ring gear backlash is correct.
Axle Noise 1. Insufficient lubricant. 1. Fill differential with the correct
fluid type and quantity.
2. Improper ring gear and pinion
adjustment.2. Check ring gear and pinion
contact pattern.
3. Unmatched ring gear and pinion. 3. Replace gears with a matched
ring gear and pinion.
4. Worn teeth on ring gear and/or
pinion.4. Replace ring gear and pinion.
5. Loose pinion bearings. 5. Adjust pinion bearing pre-load.
6. Loose differential bearings. 6. Adjust differential bearing
pre-load.
7. Mis-aligned or sprung ring gear. 7. Measure ring gear run-out.
Replace components as necessary.
8. Loose differential bearing cap
bolts.8. Inspect differential components
and replace as necessary. Ensure
that the bearing caps are torqued
tot he proper specification.
9. Housing not machined properly. 9. Replace housing.
VARI-LOKT
(1) Park the vehicle on a level surface or raise
vehicle on hoist so that the vehicle is level.
(2) Remove the axle fill plug.
(3) Verify that the axle fluid level is correct. The
fluid level is correct if the fluid is level with the bot-
tom of the fill hole.
(4) Shift the transfer case into the 4WD full-time
position.
(5) Drive the vehicle in a tight circle for 2 minutes
at 5mph to fully prime the pump.
(6) Block the tires opposite the axle to be tested to
prevent the vehicle from moving.
(7) Shift the transfer case into the 4WD Low posi-
tion and the transmission into the Park position.
(8) Raise both the wheels of the axle to be tested
off of the ground.(9) Rotate the left wheel by hand at a minimum of
one revolution per second while an assistant rotates
the right wheel in the opposite direction.
(10) The left wheel should spin freely at first and
then increase in resistance within 5 revolutions until
the wheels cannot be continuously rotated in opposite
directions.
(11) The Vari-loktdifferential has engaged prop-
erly if the wheels cannot be rotated in opposite direc-
tions for a moment. After the wheels stop rotating for
a moment, the fluid pressure will drop in the differ-
ential and the wheels begin to rotate once again.
(12) If the system does not operate properly,
replace the Vari-loktdifferential.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Position a lifting device under the axle and
secure axle.
WJREAR AXLE - 226RBA 3 - 95
REAR AXLE - 226RBA (Continued)

DISASSEMBLY
(1) Remove pinion shaft lock screw (Fig. 50).
(2) Remove pinion shaft.
(3) Rotate differential side gears and remove dif-
ferential pinions and thrust washers (Fig. 51).
(4) Remove differential side gears and thrust
washers.
ASSEMBLY
(1) Install differential side gears and thrust wash-
ers.
(2) Install differential pinion gears and thrust
washers.
(3) Install the pinion mate shaft.
(4) Align hole in the pinion mate shaft with the
hole in the differential case and install the pinion
mate shaft lock screw.
(5) Lubricate all differential components with
hypoid gear lubricant.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: If replacement differential bearings or differ-
ential case are being installed, differential side
bearing shim requirements may change. Refer
Adjustments (Differential Bearing Preload and Gear
Backlash) to determine the proper shim selection.
(1) Position Spreader W-129-B with Adapter set
6987 on differential housing locating holes. Install
the holddown clamps and tighten the tool turnbuckle
finger-tight.
(2) Install a Pilot Stud C-3288-B at the left side of
the differential housing. Attach Dial Indicator C-3339
to pilot stud. Load the indicator plunger against the
opposite side of the housing and zero the indicator.
CAUTION: Never spread the housing over 0.38 mm
(0.015 in). If housing is over-spread, it could be dis-
torted or damaged.
(3) Spread housing enough to install the case in
the housing.
(4) Remove the dial indicator.
(5) Install differential case in housing (Fig. 52).
Verify differential bearing cups remain in position on
the bearings and preload shims are between the face
of the bearing cup and the housing. Tap the differen-
tial case to ensure bearings cups and shims are
seated in the housing.
CAUTION: On a Vari-lokTdifferential the oil feed
tube must be pointed at the bottom of the housing
(Fig. 53). If differential is installed with the oil feed
tube pointed at the top, the anti-rotation tabs will be
damaged.
(6) Install bearing caps in their original locations
(Fig. 54).
(7) Loosely install differential bearing cap bolts.
(8) Remove axle housing spreader.
(9) Tighten bearing cap bolts in a criss-cross pat-
tern to 77 N´m (57 ft. lbs.).
(10) Install the axle shafts.
Fig. 50 SHAFT LOCK SCREW
1 - LOCK SCREW
2 - PINION SHAFT
Fig. 51 DIFFERENTIAL GEARS
1 - THRUST WASHER
2 - SIDE GEAR
3 - DIFFERENTIAL PINION
WJREAR AXLE - 226RBA 3 - 117
DIFFERENTIAL (Continued)

(11) Apply a 6.35mm (1/4 in.) bead of red Mopar
Silicone Rubber Sealant or equivalent to the housing
cover (Fig. 55).
CAUTION: If cover is not installed within 3 to 5 min-
utes, the cover must be cleaned and new RTV
applied or adhesion quality will be compromised.
Fig. 52 SPREADER LOCATION
1 - DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING
2 - DOWEL
3 - SAFETY HOLD DOWN
4 - SPREADER
5 - TURNBUCKLE
Fig. 53 VARI-LOK
1 - ANTI-ROTATION TAB
2 - OIL FEED TUBE
Fig. 54 BEARING CAP REFERENCE
1 - REFERENCE LETTERS
2 - REFERENCE LETTERS
Fig. 55 DIFFERENTIAL COVER - TYPICAL
1 - COVER
2 - SEALANT
3 - SEALANT BEAD
3 - 118 REAR AXLE - 226RBAWJ
DIFFERENTIAL (Continued)

CAUTION: Vari-lokTplenum must be seated against
the differential case prior to installing the ring gear
side differential bearing.
(1) Install differential side bearings with Installer
C-4340 and Handle C-4171 (Fig. 70).
(2) Install differential case into the housing.
(3) Remove support and lower vehicle.
PINION GEAR/RING GEAR
REMOVAL
NOTE: The ring and pinion gears are serviced as a
matched set. Never replace one gear without the
other matched 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 axle housing.
(5) Place differential case in a vise with soft metal
jaw.
(6) Remove bolts holding ring gear to differential
case.(7) Drive ring gear from differential case with a
rawhide hammer (Fig. 71).
(8) Hold the pinion yoke with Spanner Wrench
6958 and remove the pinion yoke nut and washer
(Fig. 72).
Fig. 70 Install Differential Side Bearings
1 - HANDLE
2 - DIFFERENTIAL
3 - BEARING
4 - INSTALLER
Fig. 71 RING GEAR
1 - DIFFERENTIAL CASE
2 - RING GEAR
3 - RAWHIDE HAMMER
Fig. 72 Pinion Yoke Holder
1 - PIPE
2 - PINION YOKE
3 - SPANNER WRENCH
4 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
3 - 124 REAR AXLE - 226RBAWJ
DIFFERENTIAL CASE BEARINGS (Continued)

(13) Check bearing rotating torque with a inch
pound torque wrench (Fig. 87). The pinion gear rotat-
ing torque should be:
²
Original Bearings: 1 to 2.25 N´m (10 to 20 in. lbs.).
²New Bearings: 2.8 to 4 N´m (25 to 35 in. lbs.).
(14) Invert the differential case and start two ring
gear bolts. This will provide case-to-ring gear bolt
hole alignment.
(15) Invert the differential case in the vise.
(16) Installnewring gear bolts and alternately
tighten to 129-142 N´m (95-105 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 88).
CAUTION: Never reuse the ring gear bolts. The
bolts can fracture causing extensive damage.
NOTE: If equipped with Veri-LokTdifferential install
oil feed plenum and side bearing.
(17) Install differential in housing.
CAUTION: When installing a Vari-lokTdifferential
(Fig. 89), the oil feed tube must point to the bottom
of the housing. If differential is installed with the oil
feed tube pointed toward the top, the anti-rotation
tabs will be damaged.
(18)
Verify differential bearing preload, gear mesh
and contact pattern. Refer to Ajustments for procedure.
(19) Install differential cover and fill with gear
lubricant.(20) Install the propeller shaft with the reference
marks aligned.
(21) Remove supports and lower vehicle.
Fig. 87 PINION ROTATING TORQUE
1 - PINION YOKE/COMPANION FLANGE
2 - INCH POUND TORQUE WRENCH
Fig. 88 RING GEAR
1 - TORQUE WRENCH
2 - RING GEAR BOLT
3 - RING GEAR
4 - CASE
Fig. 89 VARI-LOK
1 - ANTI-ROTATION TAB
2 - OIL FEED TUBE
WJREAR AXLE - 226RBA 3 - 129
PINION GEAR/RING GEAR (Continued)

Measure rotor thickness a minimum of six points
around the rotor face. Position the micrometer approx-
imately 19 mm (3/4 in.) from the rotor outer circumfer-
ence for each measurement (Fig. 62).
Thickness should not vary by more than 0.0127 mm
(0.0005 in.) from point to point on the rotor. Refinish or
replace the rotor if necessary.
NOTE: A hub mounted on-vehicle lathe is recom-
mended. This type of lathe trues the rotor to the vehi-
cles hub/bearing.
CAUTION: For vehicles equipped with the Quadra-
Drive System, consisting of the NV-247 transfer case
and a Vari-Lok differential in the front and rear axles,
the following steps must be done prior to the use of a
hub mounted on-vehicle brake lathe. Disconnect the
driveshaft (Refer to 3 - DIFFERENTIAL & DRIVELINE/
PROPELLER SHAFT/PROPELLER SHAFT - REMOVAL)
from the respective axle on which the brake rotors are
being machined. Temporarily remove both brake cali-
pers (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/
DISC BRAKE CALIPERS - REMOVAL) from the axle
while disc rotor machining is in process. Both steps
will prevent unnecessary loads to the hub mounted
on-vehicle lathe and speed machining times. Install a
thread lock material to the driveshaft attaching bolts
when reinstalling (Refer to 3 - DIFFERENTIAL & DRIV-
ELINE/PROPELLER SHAFT/PROPELLER SHAFT -
INSTALLATION).
Front rotors and hub/bearings are matched mounted
for minimum lateral runout. Before removing the rotor,
mark the rotor and hub/bearing to maintain original
orientation.
FRONT ROTOR LATERAL RUNOUT
Check rotor lateral runout whenever pedal pulsation,
or rapid, uneven brake lining wear has occurred.
The rotor must be securely clamped to the hub to
ensure an accurate runout measurement. Secure therotor with a minimum of 3 lug nuts and large diameter
flat washers on each stud.
Use a dial indicator to check lateral runout (Fig. 63).
Maximum allowable rotor lateral runout is 0.05 mm
(0.002 in.).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REAR DISC
BRAKE ROTOR
ROTOR MINIMUM THICKNESS
Minimum usable thickness of the rear disc brake
rotor is 8.5 mm (0.335 in.). The thickness specification
is located on the center section of the rotor.
Never resurface a rotor if machining would cause
thickness to fall below this limit.
Measure rotor thickness at the center of the brake
shoe contact surface. Replace the rotor if worn below
minimum thickness, or if refinishing would reduce
thickness below the allowable minimum.
REAR ROTOR THICKNESS VARIATION
Variations in rotor thickness will cause pedal pulsa-
tion, noise and shudder.
Measure rotor thickness at a minimum of six points
around the rotor face. Position the micrometer approxi-
mately 19 mm (3/4 in.) from the rotor outer circumfer-
ence for each measurement (Fig. 62).
Thickness should not vary by more than 0.0127 mm
(0.0005 in.) from point to point on the rotor. Refinish or
replace the rotor if necessary.
REAR ROTOR LATERAL RUNOUT
Check rotor lateral runout whenever diagnosis indi-
cates pedal pulsation and rapid, uneven brake lining
wear.
The rotor must be securely clamped to the hub to
ensure an accurate runout measurement. Secure the
rotor with the wheel nuts and 4 or 5 large diameter flat
washers on each stud.
Use a dial indicator to check lateral runout (Fig. 63).
Maximum allowable lateral runout is 0.76 mm (0.003 in.).
Fig. 62 Measuring Rotor Thickness Variation
1 - MICROMETER
2 - ROTOR
Fig. 63 Checking Rotor Lateral Runout
1 - DIAL INDICATOR
5 - 32 BRAKES - BASEWJ
ROTORS (Continued)
2002 WJ Service Manual
Publication No. 81-370-02064
02WJ5-32 June, 2002

STANDARD PROCEDURE - DISC ROTOR
MACHINING
CAUTION: For vehicles equipped with the Quadra-
Drive System, consisting of the NV-247 transfer case
and a Vari-Lok differential in the front and rear axles,
the following steps must be done prior to the use of a
hub mounted on-vehicle brake lathe. Disconnect the
driveshaft (Refer to 3 - DIFFERENTIAL & DRIVELINE/
PROPELLER SHAFT/PROPELLER SHAFT - REMOVAL)
from the respective axle on which the brake rotors are
being machined. Temporarily remove both brake cali-
pers (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/
DISC BRAKE CALIPERS - REMOVAL) from the axle
while disc rotor machining is in process. Both steps
will prevent unnecessary loads to the hub mounted
on-vehicle lathe and speed machining times. Install a
thread lock material to the driveshaft attaching bolts
when reinstalling (Refer to 3 - DIFFERENTIAL & DRIV-
ELINE/PROPELLER SHAFT/PROPELLER SHAFT -
INSTALLATION).
NOTE: A hub mounted on-vehicle lathe is recom-
mended. This type of lathe trues the rotor to the vehi-
cles hub/bearing.
The disc brake rotor can be machined if scored or
worn. The lathe must machine both sides of the rotor
simultaneously with dual cutter heads. The rotor
mounting surface must be clean before placing on the
lathe. Equipment capable of machining only one side at
a time may produce a tapered rotor.
CAUTION: Brake rotors that do not meet minimum
thickness specifications before or after machining
must be replaced.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTOR
NOTE: Front rotors and hub/bearings are matched
mounted for minimum lateral runout. Before removing
the rotor, mark the rotor and hub/bearing to maintain
original orientation.
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove wheel and tire assembly.
(3) Remove the caliper anchor bolts (Fig. 64) and
remove the caliper and anchor as an assembly from the
steering knuckle.
(4) Secure caliper anchor assembly to nearby suspen-
sion part with a wire.Do not allow brake hose to
support caliper weight.
(5) Mark the rotor and hub/bearing to maintain orig-
inal orientation. Remove retainers securing rotor to hub
studs.
(6) Remove rotor from hub/bearing.
REMOVAL - REAR DISC BRAKE ROTOR
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove wheel and tire assembly.
(3) Remove the caliper anchor bolts (Fig. 65).
(4) Remove caliper and anchor as an assembly.(5) Secure caliper anchor assembly to nearby suspen-
sion part with wire.Do not allow brake hose to sup-
port caliper weight.
(6) Remove retainers securing rotor to axle studs.
(7) Remove rotor off axle studs.
Fig. 64 Caliper Anchor Bolts
1 - KNUCKLE
2 - ANCHOR
3 - ANCHOR BOLTS
4 - ROTOR
Fig. 65 Caliper Anchor Bolts
1 - ROTOR
2 - ANCHOR
3 - ANCHOR BOLTS
WJBRAKES - BASE 5 - 33
ROTORS (Continued)
2002 WJ Service Manual
Publication No. 81-370-02064
02WJ5-33 June, 2002