2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE front axle

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

and therefore creates pressure in the pump. The tun-
ing of the front and rear axle orifices and valves
inside the gerotor pump is unique and each system
includes a torque-limiting pressure relief valve to
protect the clutch pack, which also facilitates vehicle
control under extreme side-to-side traction varia-
tions. The resulting pressure is applied to the clutch
pack and the transfer of torque is completed.
Under conditions in which opposite wheels are on
surfaces with widely different friction characteristics,
Vari-loktdelivers far more torque to the wheel on
the higher traction surface than do conventional
Trac-loktsystems. Because conventional Trac-lokt
differentials are initially pre-loaded to assure torque
transfer, normal driving (where inner and outer
wheel speeds differ during cornering, etc.) produces
torque transfer during even slight side-to-side speed
variations. Since these devices rely on friction from
this preload to transfer torque, normal use tends to
cause wear that reduces the ability of the differential
to transfer torque over time. By design, the Vari-lokt
system is less subject to wear, remaining more con-
sistent over time in its ability to transfer torque. The
coupling assembly is serviced as a unit. From a ser-
vice standpoint the coupling also benefits from using
the same lubricant supply as the ring and pinion
gears.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
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 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.
All driveline components should be examined
before starting any repair.
(Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING)
3 - 92 REAR AXLE - 226RBAWJ
REAR AXLE - 226RBA (Continued)

PINION GEAR DEPTH VARIANCE
Original Pinion
Gear Depth
VarianceReplacement Pinion Gear Depth Variance
24232221 0 +1 +2 +3 +4
+4+0.008 +0.007 +0.006 +0.005 +0.004 +0.003 +0.002 +0.001 0
+3+0.007 +0.006 +0.005 +0.004 +0.003 +0.002 +0.001 020.001
+2+0.006 +0.005 +0.004 +0.003 +0.002 +0.001 020.00120.002
+1+0.005 +0.004 +0.003 +0.002 +0.001 020.00120.00220.003
0+0.004 +0.003 +0.002 +0.001 020.00120.00220.00320.004
21+0.003 +0.002 +0.001 020.00120.00220.00320.00420.005
22+0.002 +0.001 020.00120.00220.00320.00420.00520.006
23+0.001 020.00120.00220.00320.00420.00520.00620.007
24020.00120.00220.00320.00420.00520.00620.00720.008
PINION DEPTH MEASUREMENT
Measurements are taken with pinion bearing cups
and pinion bearings installed in the housing. Take
measurements with Pinion Gauge Set 6775 and Dial
Indicator C-3339 (Fig. 8).(1) Assemble Pinion Height Block 6739, Pinion
Block 8144 and rear pinion bearing onto Screw 6741
(Fig. 8).
(2) Insert assembled height gauge components,
rear bearing and screw into the housing through pin-
ion bearing cups (Fig. 9).
(3) Install front pinion bearing and Cone-nut 6740
hand tight (Fig. 8).
(4) Place Arbor Disc 6927A on Arbor D-115-3 in
position in the housing side bearing cradles (Fig. 10).
Install differential bearing caps in their original posi-
tions on arbor discs and tighten cap bolts to 85 N´m
(63 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 8 PINION GEAR DEPTH GAUGE
1 - DIAL INDICATOR
2 - ARBOR
3 - PINION HEIGHT BLOCK
4 - CONE
5 - SCREW
6 - PINION BLOCK
7 - SCOOTER BLOCK
8 - ARBOR DISC
Fig. 9 PINION HEIGHT BLOCK
1 - PINION BLOCK
2 - PINION HEIGHT BLOCK
3 - 98 REAR AXLE - 226RBAWJ
REAR AXLE - 226RBA (Continued)

(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)

(12) Install cover and tighten bolts in a criss-cross
pattern to 41 N´m (30 ft. lbs.).
(13) Refill the differential with Mopar Hypoid
Gear Lubricant or equivalent to bottom of the fill
plug hole.
(14) Install fill hole plug.
(15) Remove support and lower the vehicle.
DIFFERENTIAL - TRAC-LOK
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
The most common problem is a chatter noise when
turning corners. Before removing the unit for repair,
drain, flush and refill the axle with the specified
lubricant. A container of Mopar Trac-loktLubricant
(friction modifier) should be added after repair ser-
vice or during a lubricant change.
After changing the lubricant, drive the vehicle and
make 10 to 12 slow, figure-eight turns. This maneu-
ver will pump lubricant through the clutches. This
will correct the condition in most instances. If the
chatter persists, clutch damage could have occurred.
DIFFERENTIAL TEST
The differential can be tested without removing the
differential case by measuring rotating torque. Make
sure brakes are not dragging during this measure-
ment.
(1) Place blocks in front and rear of both front
wheels.
(2) Raise one rear wheel until it is completely off
the ground.
(3) Engine off, transmission in neutral, and park-
ing brake off.
(4) Remove wheel and bolt Special Tool 6790 or
equivalent tool to studs.
(5) Use torque wrench on special tool to rotate
wheel and read rotating torque (Fig. 56).
(6) If rotating torque is less than 41 N´m (56 ft.
lbs.) or more than 271 N´m (200 ft. lbs.) on either
wheel the unit should be serviced.
DISASSEMBLY
(1) Clamp side gear Holding Fixture 6965 in a vise
and position the differential case on the Holding Fix-
ture (Fig. 57).
(2) Remove ring gear if the ring gear is to be
replaced. The Trac-loktdifferential can be serviced
with the ring gear installed.
Fig. 56 ROTATING TORQUE TEST
1 - SPECIAL TOOL WITH BOLT IN CENTER HOLE
2 - TORQUE WRENCH
Fig. 57 DIFFERENTIAL CASE FIXTURE
1 - HOLDING FIXTURE
2 - VISE
3 - DIFFERENTIAL
WJREAR AXLE - 226RBA 3 - 119
DIFFERENTIAL (Continued)

(9) Remove pinion yoke from pinion shaft with
Remover C-452 and Wrench C-3281 (Fig. 73).
(10) Remove pinion gear from housing (Fig. 74).(11) Remove pinion seal with Remover 7794-A and
a slide hammer (Fig. 75).
(12) Remove oil slinger, if equipped, and front pin-
ion bearing.
(13) Remove the front pinion bearing cup with
Remover D-103 and Handle C-4171 (Fig. 76).
Fig. 73 Pinion Yoke Remover
1 - FLANGE WRENCH
2 - YOKE
3 - YOKE PULLER
Fig. 74 Pinion Gear
1 - RAWHIDE HAMMER
Fig. 75 Pinion Seal Remover
1 - REMOVER
2 - SLIDE HAMMER
3 - PINION SEAL
Fig. 76 Front Pinion Bearing Cup
1 - REMOVER
2 - HANDLE
WJREAR AXLE - 226RBA 3 - 125
PINION GEAR/RING GEAR (Continued)

(1) Apply Mopar Door Ease or equivalent lubricant
to outside surface of pinion bearing cups.
(2) Install pinion rear bearing cup with Installer
C-4308 and Driver Handle C-4171 (Fig. 80) and ver-
ify cup is seated.
(3) Install pinion front bearing cup with Installer
D-129 and Handle C-4171 (Fig. 81) and verify cup is
seated.(4) Install pinion front bearing and oil slinger, if
equipped.
(5) Apply a light coating of gear lubricant on the
lip of pinion seal. Install seal with an appropriate
(Fig. 82).
(6) Install depth shim on the pinion gear.
(7) Install rear bearing on the pinion gear with
Installer 6448 and a press (Fig. 83).
Fig. 80 Rear Pinion Bearing Cup
1 - INSTALLER
2 - HANDLE
Fig. 81 FRONT PINION BEARING CUP
1 - INSTALLER
2 - HANDLE
Fig. 82 PINION SEAL INSTALLER
1 - HANDLE
2 - INSTALLER
Fig. 83 REAR PINION BEARING
1 - PRESS
2 - INSTALLER
3 - PINION GEAR
4 - PINION BEARING
WJREAR AXLE - 226RBA 3 - 127
PINION GEAR/RING GEAR (Continued)

ADJUSTABLE PEDAL SWITCH
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the steering column opening cover
(Fig. 2)(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
STEERING COLUMN OPENING COVER - REMOV-
AL).
(2) Disconnect the electrical connector from the
adjustable pedal switch.
(3) Remove the switch from the steering column
opening cover by squeezing the retaining clips
together and pushing the switch outwards (Fig. 3).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the switch to the steering column open-
ing cover by pushing the switch inwards seating the
retaining clips to the steering column opening cover
(Fig. 3).
(2) Reconnect the electrical connector to the
adjustable pedal switch.
(3) Install the steering column opening cover (Fig.
2)(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
STEERING COLUMN OPENING COVER - INSTAL-
LATION).
BRAKE LINES
DESCRIPTION
Flexible rubber hose is used at both front brakes,
rear brakes and at the rear axle junction block. Dou-
ble walled steel tubing is used. Double inverted style
and ISO style flares are used on the brake lines.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BRAKE HOSES
AND LINES
Flexible rubber hose is used at both front and rear
brakes and at the rear axle junction block. Inspect
the hoses whenever the brake system is serviced, at
every engine oil change, or whenever the vehicle is in
for service.
Inspect the hoses for surface cracking, scuffing, or
worn spots. Replace any brake hose immediately if
the fabric casing of the hose is exposed due to cracks
or abrasions.
Also check brake hose installation. Faulty installa-
tion can result in kinked, twisted hoses, or contact
with the wheels and tires or other chassis compo-
nents. All of these conditions can lead to scuffing,
cracking and eventual failure.
The steel brake lines should be inspected periodi-
cally for evidence of corrosion, twists, kinks, leaks, or
other damage. Heavily corroded lines will eventually
rust through causing leaks. In any case, corroded or
damaged brake lines should be replaced.
Factory replacement brake lines and hoses are rec-
ommended to ensure quality, correct length and supe-
rior fatigue life. Care should be taken to make sure
that brake line and hose mating surfaces are clean
and free from nicks and burrs. Also remember that
right and left brake hoses are not interchangeable.
Use new copper gaskets at all caliper connections.
Be sure brake line connections are properly made
(not cross threaded) and tightened to recommended
torque.
Fig. 2 STEERING COLUMN OPENING COVER
REMOVAL/INSTALL
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP PAD
2 - STEERING COLUMN OPENING COVER
3 - SCREW (3)
Fig. 3 ADJUSTABLE PEDAL SWITCH
1 - RETAINING CLIPS
2 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
5 - 8 BRAKES - BASEWJ