REAR AXLE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
REAR AXLE
DESCRIPTION.........................10
OPERATION...........................10
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING................10
STANDARD PROCEDURE - DRAIN AND FILL . . 11
REMOVAL.............................11
INSTALLATION.........................12
SPECIFICATIONS.......................13
SPECIAL TOOLS.......................14
AXLE SHAFTS
REMOVAL.............................15
INSTALLATION.........................15AXLE BEARINGS/SEALS
REMOVAL.............................17
INSTALLATION.........................17
AXLE SHAFTS - DUAL REAR WHEELS
REMOVAL.............................19
INSTALLATION.........................19
AXLE HUB BEARINGS/SEALS
REMOVAL.............................20
INSTALLATION.........................20
PINION SEAL
REMOVAL.............................22
INSTALLATION.........................22
REAR AXLE
DESCRIPTION
The axle housings consist of a cast iron center sec-
tion with axle tubes extending from either side. The
tubes are pressed into and welded to the differential
housing to form a one-piece axle housing. The SRW
axle has semi-floating axle shafts, DRW has full-
floating axle shafts.
NOTE: Axle seals, axle bearings, pinion seal and
differential cover are the only serviceble compo-
nents. If differential is damaged/noisy the axle must
be replaced.
OPERATION
The axle receives power from the transmission
through the rear propeller shaft. The rear propeller
shaft 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.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
NOTE: Axle seals, axle bearings, pinion seals and
differential cover are the only serviceble compo-
nents. If differential is damaged/noisy the axle must
be replaced.
GEAR NOISE
Axle gear noise can be caused by insufficient lubri-
cant, incorrect backlash, incorrect pinion depth, 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 shaft can also cause a snap-
ping 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 bearingshave 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
3 - 10 REAR AXLEVA
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Drain Plug 100 74 -
Fill Plug 100 74 -
Differential Cover Bolts 65 48 -
Axle Bearing Cap Bolts 72 53 -
Axle Grooved Nut 500 369 -
Axle Shaft Hub Nut 65 48 -
*Hub Inner Nut 300 221 -
Hub Outer Nut 250 184 -
*Follow service procedure for torque sequence.
SPECIAL TOOLS
SPECIAL TOOL CROSS-REFERENCE CHART
MB TOOL #MILLER TOOL
#DESCRIPTION
460-589-15-15-
009276 INSTALLER
741 589 01 15
009278 INSTALLER
741 589 00 35
009277 PLATE
460 589 01 07
009279 WRENCH
N/A 8992FLANGE
PULLER
309 589 01 07
009290 WRENCH
389 589 02 15
009291 INSTALLER
N/A C-3281 WRENCH
INSTALLER 9276
INSTALLER 9278
PLATE 9277
3 - 14 REAR AXLEVA
REAR AXLE (Continued)
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - FRONT
(1) Install the brake caliper adapter to the steering
knuckle. Tighten to 170 N´m (125 ft. lbs.).
(2) Install the disc brake shoes (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/BRAKE
PADS/SHOES - INSTALLATION).
NOTE: Do not install the brake hose twisted and
ensure freedom of movement.
(3) Install the disc brake caliper. Tighten the bolt
to 14 N´m (124 in. lbs.) (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/HY-
DRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC BRAKE CALIPERS
- INSTALLATION).
(4) Install the front wheels (Refer to 22 - TIRES/
WHEELS/WHEELS - INSTALLATION).
(5) Lower the vehicle.
INSTALLATION - REAR
(1) Install the brake caliper adapter to the axle
mount. Tighten to 90 N´m (66 ft. lbs.) for M12X1.5
bolt or 170 N´m (125 ft. lbs.) for M14X1.5 bolt.
(2) Install the disc brake pads (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/BRAKE
PADS/SHOES - INSTALLATION).
NOTE: Do not install the brake hose twisted and
ensure freedom of movement.
(3) Install the disc brake caliper (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC
BRAKE CALIPERS - INSTALLATION).
(4) Install the rear wheels (Refer to 22 - TIRES/
WHEELS/WHEELS - INSTALLATION).
(5) Lower the vehicle.
FLUID
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BRAKE FLUID
CONTAMINATION
Indications of fluid contamination are swollen or
deteriorated rubber parts.
Swollen rubber parts indicate the presence of
petroleum in the brake fluid.
To test for contamination, put a small amount of
drained brake fluid in clear glass jar. If fluid sepa-
rates into layers, there is mineral oil or other fluid
contamination of the brake fluid.
If brake fluid is contaminated, drain and thor-
oughly flush system. Replace master cylinder, ALB
Controller, caliper seals, Antilock Brakes hydraulic
unit and all hydraulic fluid hoses.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BRAKE FLUID
LEVEL
Always clean the master cylinder reservoir and
caps before checking fluid level. If not cleaned, dirt
could enter the fluid.
The fluid fill level is indicated on the side of the
master cylinder reservoir (Fig. 13).
The correct fluid level is to the MAX indicator on
the side of the reservoir. If necessary, add fluid to the
proper level.
SPECIFICATIONS
BRAKE FLUID
The brake fluid used in this vehicle must conform
to DOT 4 specifications and SAE standards. No other
type of brake fluid is recommended or approved for
usage in the vehicle brake system. Use only Mopar
brake fluid or an equivalent from a tightly sealed
container.
CAUTION: Never use reclaimed brake fluid or fluid
from an container which has been left open. An
open container of brake fluid will absorb moisture
from the air and contaminate the fluid.
CAUTION: Never use any type of a petroleum-based
fluid in the brake hydraulic system. Use of such
type fluids will result in seal damage of the vehicle
brake hydraulic system causing a failure of the
vehicle brake system. Petroleum based fluids would
be items such as engine oil, transmission fluid,
power steering fluid, etc.
Fig. 13 FLUID LEVEL TYPICAL
1 - FLUID RESERVOIR
2 - MAX LEVEL MARK
5 - 14 BRAKES - BASEVA
DISC BRAKE CALIPER ADAPTER (Continued)
COOLANT LEVEL SENSOR
REMOVAL
WARNING: RISK OF INJURY TO SKIN AND EYES
DUE TO SCALDING FROM HOT COOLANT. DO NOT
OPEN THE COOLING SYSTEM UNLESS THE TEM-
PERATURE IS BELOW 194ÉF (90ÉC). WEAR PRO-
TECTIVE CLOTHING AND EYE WEAR. RISK OF
POISONING IF COOLANT IS SWALLOWED. STORE
COOLANT IN PROPER AND APPROPRIATELY
MARKED CONTAINERS.
NOTE: Drain coolant from radiator drain plug only.
(1) Drain coolant until the coolant reservoir is
emptied.
(2) Disconnect the wiring harness electrical con-
nector.
(3) Turn the level sensor 90 degrees clockwises, lift
up and out of the container.
INSTALLATION
(1) Align coolant level sensor with coolant
reservior access whole, press down while turning
counterclockwise 90 degrees to seat sensor (Fig. 4).
(2) Connect coolant level sensor electrical connec-
tor (Fig. 4).
(3) Refill cooling system to proper level.
(4) Inspect for leaks.
RADIATOR FAN
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
(2) Remove the front end cross member.
(3) Push complete radiator assembly forward and
unclip the fan shroud at the radiator.
(4) Detach coolant line from lower radiator shroud.
(5) Retain accessory drive belt pulley of water
pump with a counterholder (Fig. 5).
(6) Unscrew the central bolt of the viscous fan
clutch and lift fan and shroud up and out (Fig. 5).
NOTE: Store the viscous fan clutch in the upright
position. DO NOT place down flat.
(7) Remove radiator fan from viscous fan clutch
(Fig. 5).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install fan blade to viscous clutch. Tighten
bolts to 80 lbs. in. (9 N´m) (Fig. 5).
(2) Install fan and clutch along with fan shroud in
to engine bay area (Fig. 5).
(3) Install the center bolt of the viscous clutch.
Tighten bolt to 33 lbs. ft. (45 N´m) (Fig. 5)
(4) Attach coolant line to lower radiator shroud.
(5)
Properly align and clip the fan shroud into place.
Fig. 4 COOLANT LEVEL SENSOR
1 - COOLANT LEVEL SENSOR
2 - COOLANT RESERVIOR
3 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
Fig. 5 RADIATOR FAN
1 - VISCOUS CLUTCH
2 - COUNTERHOLDER
3 - CLUTCH BOLT
4 - FAN BOLT
5-FAN
VAENGINE 7 - 13
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean all sealing surfaces.
(2) Position and install thermostat housing with
new gasket (Fig. 8). Tighten bolts to 9N´m (80
lbs.in.).
NOTE: Inspect condition of all clamps and hoses,
replace as necessary.
(3) Install cap at oil filter housing.
(4) Connect coolant hoses and vent hose (Fig. 8).
(5) Install bracket for fuel line (Fig. 8).
(6) Attach air intake hose at charge air distribu-
tion pipe.
(7) Close coolant drain.
(8) Connect negative battery cable.
(9) Fill coolant system to proper level with appro-
priate coolant mixture (Refer to 7 - COOLING/EN-
GINE/COOLANT - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN ENGINE
IS OPERATING. DO NOT STAND IN DIRECT LINE
WITH FAN. DO NOT PUT YOUR HANDS NEAR PUL-
LEYS, BELTS OR FAN. DO NOT WEAR LOOSE
CLOTHES.
(10) Start engine and inspect for leaks.
FAN DRIVE VISCOUS CLUTCH
REMOVAL
(1) For fan drive viscous clutch removal refer to
(Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN -
REMOVAL).
INSTALLATION
(1) For fan drive viscous clutch installation refer to
(Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN -
INSTALLATION).
RADIATOR
REMOVAL
WARNING: RISK OF INJURY TO SKIN AND EYES
FROM SCALDING WITH HOT COOLANT. RISK OF
POISONING FROM SWALLOWING COOLANT. DO
NOT OPEN COOLING SYSTEM UNLESS COOLANT
TEMPERATURE IS BELOW 90ÉC (194ÉF). OPEN CAP
SLOWLY TO RELEASE PRESSURE. STORE COOL-
ANT IN SUITABLE AND APPROPRIATELY MARKED
CONTAINER. WEAR PROTECTIVE GLOVES,
CLOTHES AND EYE WEAR.
NOTE: Capture all residual fluid spillage and store
in suitably marked containers. Inspect condition of
all clamps and hoses, replace as necessary.
(1) Drain coolant from radiator only(Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/COOLANT - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE).
(2) Remove headlamp.
(3) Remove front cross member together with front
grille.
(4) Remove front bumper.
(5) Evacuate air conditioning.
(6) Remove A/C condenser.
(7) Detach charge air hose at turbocharger (Fig. 9).
(8) Detach charge air hose at air intake pipe (Fig.
9).
(9) Detach air intake pipe at the body (Fig. 9).
(10) Detach coolant hoses at the coolant reservoir
(Fig. 9).
(11) Unplug wiring connector at coolant level sen-
sor (Fig. 9).
(12) Drain steering gear oil from reservoir of
power steering pump.
(13) Detach the hydraulic oil hose at reservoir of
power steering pump.
(14) Detach the hydraulic oil hose at hydraulic oil
line.
Fig. 8 THERMOSTAT HOUSING ASSEMBLY
1 - O-RING
2 - CLAMP
3 - COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR
4 - FUEL LINE W/BRACKET
5 - THERMOSTAT HOUSING ASSEMBLY
6 - COOLANT HOSE
7 - CLAMP
8 - COOLANT HOSE
9 - GASKET
7 - 16 ENGINEVA
ENGINE COOLANT THERMOSTAT (Continued)
(6) Press off cap at belt guide pulleys.
(7) Remove belt guide pulleys.
(8) Remove water pump retaining bolts and
remove water pump.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Clean all mating surfaces.
(1) Fit existing accessory drive belt pulley onto the
water pump.
(2) Properly position water pump with new gasket
to the engine and tighten bolts to 124 lbs. in. (14
N´m), M8 177 lbs. in. (20 N´m) (Fig. 13).
NOTE: Be sure to install the washer behind the
guide pulley to assure proper alignment.(3) Install belt guide pulleys. Tighten bolts to 26
lbs. ft. (35 N´m) (Fig. 13).
(4) Attach the coolant hoses to the water pump
and tighten clamps (Fig. 13).
(5) Attach fuel lines to the brackets at the water
pump.
(6) Install accessory drive belt.
(7) Install viscous fan clutch.
(8) Close radiator and or engine drain plug.
(9) Refill cooling system to proper level with the
correct coolant and mixture. Check for leaks.
Fig. 13 WATER PUMP
1 - GASKET 5 - CAP
2 - WASHER 6 - WATER PUMP
3 - GUIDE PULLEY 7 - COOLANT HOSE
4 - BOLT 8 - COOLANT HOSE
7 - 20 ENGINEVA
WATER PUMP (Continued)
REMOVAL
(1) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position. Be
certain that all electrical accessories are turned off.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the remote battery neg-
ative cable terminal.
(3) One at a time, trace and disconnect the battery
cable retaining pushpins, fasteners and routing clips
until the cables are free from the vehicle.
(4)
Feed the battery cable assembly out of the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the battery cable in the vehicle.
(2) One at a time, install the battery cable retain-
ing pushpins, fasteners and routing clips until the
cable is installed exactly in the factory installed loca-
tion in the vehicle. Refer to the Wiring Diagram sec-
tion of the service manual for reference.
(3) Connect the battery negative cable terminal.
BATTERY TRAY
DESCRIPTION
The battery is mounted in a stamped steel battery
tray located in the left front corner of the engine
compartment. The battery tray is secured with bolts
to the left front wheelhouse inner steel panel. A hole
in the bottom of the battery tray is fitted with a
formed drain tube. A second hole in the bottom of the
tray is fitted with a battery temperature sensor.
OPERATION
The battery tray provides a mounting location and
support for the vehicle battery. The battery tray sup-
port supports the battery tray and provides an
anchor point for the inboard battery hold down hard-
ware. The battery tray and the battery hold down
hardware combine to secure and stabilize the battery
in the engine compartment, which prevents battery
movement during vehicle operation. Unrestrained
battery movement during vehicle operation could
result in damage to the vehicle, the battery or both.
The battery tray drain tube directs spilled water or
electrolyte from a leaking battery to the ground
through another hole in the front extension of the
left front wheelhouse inner panel.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the battery from the battery tray.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/BAT-
TERY - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the battery temperature sensor from
the battery tray. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/CHARG-
ING/BATTERY TEMPERATURE SENSOR -
REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the bolts that secure the battery tray
to the battery tray support.
(4) Remove the battery tray from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean and inspect the battery tray.(Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM - CLEANING).
(2) Position the battery tray onto the battery tray
support.
(3) Install and tighten the bolts that secure the
battery tray to the battery tray support. Tighten the
screws to 11.8 N´m (105 in. lbs.).
(4) Install the battery temperature sensor onto the
battery tray. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/CHARGING/
BATTERY TEMPERATURE SENSOR - INSTALLA-
TION).
(5) Install the battery onto the battery tray. (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/BATTERY -
INSTALLATION).
Fig. 11 Test Battery Positive Cable Resistance - Typical
1 - BATTERY
2 - VOLTMETER
3 - STARTER MOTOR
Fig. 12 Test Ground Circuit Resistance - Typical
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
3 - ENGINE GROUND
8F - 16 BATTERY SYSTEMVA
BATTERY CABLES (Continued)
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Bolt-Timing Case Cover to
Crankcase20 15 -
Plug-Coolant Drain to
Crankcase30 22 -
Oil Pan
6m-Bolt-Oil Pan to
Crankcase9-80
8m-Bolt-Oil Pan to
Crankcase20 15 -
Bolt-Oil Pan to End Cover 9 - 80
Bolt-Oil Pan to Timing
Case Cover9-80
Bolt-Oil Pan to
Transmission Bell Housing40 30 -
Plug-Oil Pan to Oil Drain 47 35 -
Connecting Rod
Bolt-Connecting Rod Cap
to Connecting Rod (3
stage, 1&2 torque, 3
torque angle)5,25,90É - 44,221
Crankshaft
Bolt-Crankshaft Bearing
Cap (2 stage, 1 torque, 2
torque angle55,90É 40.5 -
Flywheel, Driven Plate, Vibration Damper, Starter Ring Gear
8.8m-Bolt-Central Bolt of
Vibration Damper (2
stage, 1 torque, 2 torque
angle)200,90É 147.5 -
10.9m-Bolt-Central Bolt of
Vibration Damper (2
stage, 1 torque, 2 torque
angle)325,90É 240 -
Bolt-Stretch Shank for
Flywheel or 2 Mass
Flywheel to Crankshaft (2
stage, 1 torque, 2 torque
angle)45,90É 33
Turbo Charger
Bolt-Oil Feed Line to
Cylinder Head9/22 - 80-194
Bolt-Oil Feed Line to
Turbo Charger30 22 -
Bolt-Turbo Charger
Support30 22 -
Bolt-Turbo Charger
Support to Crankcase20 - 177
VAENGINE 9 - 9
ENGINE (Continued)