engine JEEP CHEROKEE 1994 Service Owner's Manual

If the transfer case ATF is warm, it is accept-
able for the fluid to drip out of the fill hole. If
the fluid gushes out of the fill hole, the level is
too high.
(3) If the level is low, raise it to the bottom edge of
the fill hole with MOPAR ATF PLUS type 7176 or
an equivalent MerconŸ/Dexron IIŸ ATF.
(4) Install the fill-hole plug. Tighten the plug with
47 NIm (35 ft. lbs.) torque.
(5) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
FLUID CHANGE
When it becomes necessary to change the ATF in a
Jeepttransfer case, use the following procedure.
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the fill-hole plug from the transfer
case.
(3) Place an appropriate container under the trans-
fer case drain-hole plug.
(4) Remove the drain-hole plug and drain the ATF
from the transfer case into the container.
Care should be exercised when disposing used
ATF after it has been drained from a transfer
case.
CAUTION: Do not over-tighten the drain and fill-hole
plugs. Over-tightening can strip the hole threads
and/or crack the aluminum housing.
(5) Install the drain-hole plug in the transfer case.
Tighten the plug with 47 NIm (35 ft. lbs.) torque.
(6) Fill the transfer case to the bottom edge of the
fill hole with MOPAR ATF PLUS type 7176 (or an
equivalent MerconŸ/Dexron IIŸ ATF).
(7) Install the fill-hole plug in the transfer case.
Tighten the plug with 47 NIm (35 ft. lbs.) torque.
(8) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
FRONT AND REAR AXLES
RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE
The lubricant level in axle differential housings
should be determined at the same time as the engine
oil is changed and the oil filter is replaced. Add lu-
bricant as necessary.
In addition, with normal driving conditions, the
axle lubricant should be changed after each 48
000-km (30,000-miles). With severe driving condi-
tions, after each 29 000-km (12,000-miles).
LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
For normal vehicle operation, use SAE 75W-90,
API Quality Grade GL-5 gear lubricant in all Jeept
front (4WD only) and rear axles. Vehicles equipped
with a Trac-Loc rear axle also require a friction mod-
ifier additive with the gear lubricant.
When involved in trailer towing applications
use SAE 80W-140, API Quality Grade GL-5 gearlubricant in the rear axle. XJ Vehicles equipped
with a class III trailer hitch require SAE
75W-140 synthetic gear lubricant in the rear
axle.
LUBRICANT LEVEL
Determine the axle differential housing lubricant
level according to the following procedure.
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the fill-hole plug (Figs. 10 and 11)
from the axle differential housing cover. The gear lu-
bricant should be 13 mm (1/2 inch) below the bottom
edge of the fill hole.
(3) If not acceptable, raise the lubricant level to 13
mm (1/2 inch) below the bottom edge of the fill hole.
Add lubricant in small amounts to raise the
level.
(4) Install the fill-hole plug in the differential
housing cover. Tighten the plug with 34 NÉm (25 ft.
lbs.) torque.
(5) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
Fig. 10 Rear AxleÐTypical
Fig. 11 Front Axle (4WD)ÐTypical
0 - 26 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCEJ

(2) Depending on fluid temperature, if the level is
below the FULL HOT mark or the FULL COLD
mark on the dipstick, add power steering fluid.
(3) Install the cap on the reservoir.
MANUAL STEERING GEARÐYJ VEHICLES
RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE
The manual steering gear should be inspected for
damage at the same time as the engine oil is
changed and the oil filter is replaced. Repair as nec-essary (refer to Group 19ÐSteering for additional in-
formation and service procedures).
POWER BRAKE SYSTEM
RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE
The condition of the brake system should be in-
spected and the fluid level in the master cylinder
should be checked each time the brake system is ser-
viced. Add brake fluid and repair as necessary.
In addition, the brake system should be operation-
ally tested periodically to ensure that it is function-
ing normally.
FLUID SPECIFICATION
Jeeptpower brake systems require MOPAR
Heavy-Duty Brake Fluid, or an equivalent product
identified as conforming to FMVSS No. 116, DOT-3
and SAE J-1703 specifications.
Usenew brake fluid onlywhen adding fluid to
the reservoir, to fill the brake system. Never use re-
claimed fluid.
BRAKE FLUID LEVEL
STANDARD POWER BRAKE SYSTEM
(1) Clean the cover and the sides of the brake fluid
reservoir.
(2) Detach the bail retainer from the reservoir
cover and remove the cover from the reservoir.
(3) The brake fluid level should be 6 mm (1/4 in)
below the rim of each reservoir well for XJ and YJ
Vehicles (Fig. 7). If not, add brake fluid as necessary.
(4) Inspect the reservoir cover bail retainer for ten-
sion and the cover for proper fit. The cover should fit
tight and have a good seal.
Fig. 4 Power Steering SystemÐXJ Vehicles
Fig. 5 Power Steering SystemÐYJ Vehicles
Fig. 6 Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
DipstickÐTypical
0 - 32 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCEJ

(5) Inspect the reservoir rubber diaphragm seal for
cracks, cuts and distortion.
(6) Inspect the brake fluid tubing fittings and the
master cylinder housing for indications of fluid leak-
age. Repair as necessary.
(7) Install the brake fluid reservoir cover.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEMÐXJ VEHICLES
The anti-lock brake system fluid reservoir for XJ
Vehicles is located in the engine compartment at the
left side of the dash panel.
(1) Turn the ignition switch ON and allow the
pump motor to operate until it automatically de-en-
ergizes.
(2) Clean the cover before removing it.
CAUTION: Over-filling could cause fluid overflow
and possible reservoir damage when the pump mo-
tor energizes.
(3) The brake fluid level should be no lower than
the MIN arrow indicator on the side of the reservoir
(Fig. 8). If not, add brake fluid as necessary. Raise
the fluid level to the MAX arrow indicator only. Do
not over-fill the reservoir.
(4) Turn the ignition switch OFF.
BRAKE SYSTEM INSPECTION
BRAKE FLUID HOSES/TUBING
(1) Inspect all brake fluid rubber hoses (Fig. 9) for
cracks, swelling, kinks, a distorted condition and
fluid leakage.
(2) Inspect the brake fluid hoses and tubing that
are routed along the frame rail.
PADS/LININGS, ADJUSTER, WHEEL CYLINDERS AND
CALIPER
The front disk brake pads can be visually inspected
via the brake caliper inspection ports.(1) Inspect the brake pads and linings for excessive
wear, cracks, charred surfaces and broken rivets.
(2) Inspect the brake pads and linings for contam-
ination with brake fluid, axle lubricant and/or an-
other fluid.
(3) Replace the brake pads and/or linings if they
are worn to within 0.78 mm (1/32 in) of the rivet
head.
(4) Operate the rear brake self-adjuster lever and
pivot. Test the operation of the self-adjuster screw for
ease of movement.
(5) Inspect the self-adjuster components for bent
areas, frayed cables, loose or overheated springs, and
a binding condition.
Fig. 7 Reservoir Fluid LevelÐTypicalFig. 8 Reservoir Fluid LevelÐAnti-Lock Brake
System
Fig. 9 Rubber Brake Fluid HoseÐTypical
JLUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0 - 33

(6) Inspect the disc brake caliper dust boot for cor-
rect installation, damage/tears and indications of
brake fluid leakage. Inspect the bushings and pins
for corrosion, tears and a binding condition.
(7) Pull the rear wheel cylinder dust boot back to
expose the wheel cylinder housing and inspect for
fluid leaks. Inspect the pistons and cylinder bores for
proper appearance.
(8) Inspect the brake differential warning valve
and housing for indications of leakage, kinked hoses
and loose fittings.
PARK BRAKE
(1) As applicable, engage the park brake lever or
pedal and then release it.
(2) If the park brake is functioning normally, test
it for smooth operation and vehicle-holding capabil-
ity.
(3) Inspect the park brake cables for kinks, fraying
and a binding condition.
(4) With the park brake released, the rear wheels
should rotate without restriction. Adjust the park
brake cable tension at the equalizer (Fig. 10), if nec-
essary.
(5) Repair any park brake malfunctions.
BRAKE OPERATIONAL TEST
(1) Drive the vehicle and test for proper brake ac-
tion.
(2) Note any indication of drum/rotor overheating,
wheel dragging or the vehicle pulling to one side
when the brakes are applied.
(3) Evaluate any performance complaints received
from the owner/operator.
(4) Repair the brake system as necessary (refer to
Group 5ÐBrakes for additional information and ser-
vice procedures).
TIRES
RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE
The general condition of the tires and the inflation
pressures should be inspected at the same time the
engine oil is changed and the oil filter is replaced.
In addition, the tires/wheels should be rotated pe-
riodically to ensure even tread wear and maximum
tread life. The tires/wheels should be rotated initially
after the first 12 000-km (7,500-miles). Thereafter,
after each 24 000-km (15,000-miles) interval of vehi-
cle operation has elapsed.
INSPECTION
Inspect the tires for excessive wear, damage, etc.
Test the tires for the recommended inflation pres-
sure. Refer to the tire inflation pressure decal located
on the inside of the glove box door, and also to Group
22ÐTires And Wheels.
ROTATION
Refer to Group 22ÐTires And Wheels for the rec-
ommended method of tire/wheel rotation for a Jeept
vehicle.
BODY COMPONENTS
RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE
Body components should be lubricated (as required)
after each 48 000-km (30,000-miles) interval of vehi-
cle operation has elapsed.
LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
All applicable exterior and interior body compo-
nents should be:
²inspected for excessive wear,
²cleaned, and
²all pivot/sliding contact areas of the components
should be lubricated with the specified lubricant.
Refer to the Body Lubricant Specifications chart
below. When excessive wear is apparent, replace/re-
pair as necessary.
LUBRICATION
All pivoting and sliding contact areas, including:
²seat tracks,
²door hinges/latches/strikers, and
²liftgate/tailgate/hood hinges (Fig. 11),
should be lubricated periodically to ensure quiet,
easy operation and to protect against wear and cor-
rosion.
(1) As required, lubricate the body components
with the specified lubricants.
(2) When lubricating door weatherstrip seals, ap-
ply the lubricant to a cloth and wipe it on the seal.
(3) Prior to the application of lubricant, the compo-
nent should be wiped clean to remove dust, grit and
debris. After lubrication, any excess lubricant should
be removed.
Fig. 10 Park Brake Equalizer (XJ)ÐTypical
0 - 34 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCEJ

TOE POSITIONÐXJ VEHICLES
The wheel toe position adjustment should be the fi-
nal adjustment.
(1) Start the engine and turn wheels both ways be-
fore straightening the wheels. Secure the steering
wheel with the front wheels in the straight-ahead po-
sition.
(2) Loosen the adjustment sleeve clamp bolts (Fig.
4).
(3) Adjust the right wheel toe position with the
drag link. Turn the sleeve until the right wheel is at
specifications. Position the clamp bolts as shown
(Fig. 5) and tighten to 49 Nzm (36 ft. lbs.) torque.
Make sure the toe setting does not change dur-
ing clamp tightening.
(4) Adjust the left wheel toe position with the tie
rod. Turn the sleeve until the left wheel is at speci-
fications. Position the clamp bolts as shown (Fig. 5)
and tighten to 27 Nzm (20 ft. lbs.) torque.Make sure
the toe setting does not change during clamp
tightening.
(5) Verify the right toe setting.
Fig. 4 Steering LinkageÐXJ Vehicles
Fig. 5 Drag Link and Tie Rod Clamp Location
2 - 8 FRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLEJ

TOE POSITIONÐYJ VEHICLES
The wheel toe position should be the final front
wheel alignment adjustment. In all instances follow
the equipment manufacturer's recommended proce-
dure.
(1) Secure the steering wheel with the front wheels
in the straight-ahead position. For vehicles equipped
with power steering, start the engine before straight-
ening the wheels.(2) Loosen the adjustment sleeve clamp bolts on
the tie rod (Fig. 6).
YJ Vehicles
The tie rod and adjustment sleeve have both
right and left hand threads to provide equal ad-
justment for each wheel.
(3) After the adjustment is completed, position the
tie rod adjustment sleeve clamp bolts as shown.
(4) Tighten the adjustment sleeve clamp bolts to
27 Nzm (20 ft. lbs.) torque.
(5) The steering wheel can be centered by the drag
link. Complete the adjustment. Position the drag link
clamp bolts as shown. Tighten the bolts to 49 Nzm
(36 ft. lbs.) torque.
Fig. 6 Steering Linkage
ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONSÐXJ VEHICLES
ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONSÐYJ VEHICLES
JFRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLE 2 - 9

(2) Install the bolts and finger tighten the nuts
(Fig. 3).
(3) Remove support and lower the vehicle.
(4) Tighten the front and rear nuts to 115 Nzm (85
ft. lbs.) torque.
SPRING AND SHOCK DIAGNOSIS
A squeak noise from the shock absorber can be pro-
duced if movement between the rubber bushings and
the metal occurs. This noise can usually be stopped
by tightening the attaching nuts. If the squeak noisepersists, inspect for damaged and worn bushings, and
attaching components. Repair as necessary.
The shock absorber bushings do not require any
type of lubrication. Do not lubricate the bushings to
reduce bushing noise. Grease or mineral oil-base lu-
bricants will deteriorate the bushing rubber.
The shock absorbers are not refillable or adjust-
able. If a malfunction occurs, the shock absorber
must be replaced. To test a shock absorber, hold it in
an upright position and force the piston into and out
of the cylinder four or five times. The action through-
out each stroke should be smooth and even.
SHOCK ABSORBER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the nut, retainer and grommet from
the upper stud in the engine compartment (Fig. 6).
(2) Remove the lower nuts and bolts from the axle
bracket (Fig. 6). Remove the shock absorber.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the lower retainer and grommet on the
upper stud. Insert the shock absorber through the
shock tower hole.
(2) Install the lower bolts and nuts. Tighten nuts
to 19 Nzm (14 ft. lbs.) torque.
(3) Install the upper grommet and retainer on the
stud in the engine compartment. Install the nut and
tighten to 10 Nzm (8 ft. lbs.) torque.
Fig. 6 Coil Spring & Shock Absorber
Fig. 5 Axle Bracket Bushing Installation
2 - 12 FRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLEJ

AXLE NOISE/VIBRATION DIAGNOSIS
INDEX
page page
Driveline Snap........................... 17
Gear and Bearing Noise................... 16
General Information....................... 16Low Speed Knock........................ 17
Vibration............................... 17
GENERAL INFORMATION
Axle bearing problem conditions are usually caused
by:
²Insufficient or incorrect lubricant
²Foreign matter/water contamination
²Incorrect bearing preload torque adjustment
²Incorrect backlash (to tight)
When serviced, the bearings must be cleaned thor-
oughly. They should be dried with lint-free shop tow-
els.Never dry bearings with compressed air.
This will overheat them and brinell the bearing
surfaces. This will result in noisy operation after
repair.
Axle gear problem conditions are usually the result
of:
²Insufficient lubrication
²Incorrect or contaminated lubricant
²Overloading (excessive engine torque) or exceeding
vehicle weight capacity
²Incorrect clearance or backlash adjustment
Insufficient lubrication is usually the result of a
housing cover leak. It can also be from worn axle
shaft or pinion gear seals. Check for cracks or porous
areas in the housing or tubes.
Using the wrong lubricant will cause overheating
and gear failure. Gear tooth cracking and bearing
spalling are indicators of this.
Axle component breakage is most often the result
of:
²Severe overloading
²Insufficient lubricant
²Incorrect lubricant
²Improperly tightened components
Overloading occurs when towing heavier than rec-
ommended loads. Component breakage can occur
when the wheels are spun excessively. Incorrect lu-
bricant quantity contributes to breakage. Loose dif-
ferential components can also cause breakage.
Incorrect bearing preload or gear backlash will not
result in component breakage. Mis-adjustment will
produce enough noise to cause service repair before a
failure occurs. If a mis-adjustment condition is not
corrected, component failure can result.
Excessive bearing preload may not be noisy. This
condition will cause high temperature which can re-
sult in bearing failure.
GEAR AND BEARING NOISE
GEAR NOISE
Axle gear noise can be caused by insufficient lubri-
cant. Incorrect backlash, tooth contact, or worn/dam-
aged gears can cause noise.
Gear noise usually happens at a specific speed
range. The range is 30 to 40 mph, or above 50 mph.
The noise can also occur during a specific type of
driving condition. These conditions are acceleration,
deceleration, coast, or constant load.
When road testing, accelerate 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, check for insuf-
ficient lubricant. Incorrect ring gear backlash, or
gear damage can cause noise changes.
Differential side and pinion gears can be checked
by turning the vehicle. They usually do not cause
noise in straight-ahead driving. These gears are
loaded during vehicle turns. If noise does occur dur-
ing vehicle turns, the side or pinion gears could be
worn or damaged. A worn pinion gear mate shaft can
also cause a snapping or a knocking noise.
BEARING NOISE
The axle shaft, differential and pinion gear bear-
ings can all produce noise when worn or damaged.
Bearing noise can be either a whining, or a growling
sound.
Pinion gear bearings have a constant-pitch noise.
This noise changes only with vehicle speed. Pinion
bearing noise will be higher because it rotates at a
faster rate. Drive the vehicle and load the differen-
tial. If bearing noise occurs the pinion rear bearing is
the source of the noise. If the bearing noise is heard
during a coast, front bearing is the source.
Worn, damaged differential bearings usually pro-
duce a low pitch noise. Differential bearing noise is
similar to pinion bearing. The pitch of differential
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
2 - 16 FRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLEJ

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 gear 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
²Worn, out-of-balance wheels
²Loose wheel lug nuts
²Worn U-joint
²Loose spring U-bolts
²Loose/broken springs
²Damaged axle shaft bearings
²Loose pinion gear nut
²Excessive pinion yoke run out
²Bent axle shaft
Check for loose or damaged front-end components
or engine/transmission mounts. These componentscan contribute to what appears to be a rear-end vi-
bration. Do not overlook engine accessories, brackets
and drive belts.
All driveline components should be examined be-
fore starting any repair.
Refer to Group 22ÐTires And Wheels for addi-
tional information involving vibration diagnosis.
DRIVELINE SNAP
A snap or clunk noise when the vehicle is shifted
into gear (or the clutch engaged), can be caused by:
²High engine idle speed
²Loose engine/transmission/transfer case mounts
²Worn U-joints
²Loose spring mounts
²Loose pinion gear nut and yoke
²Excessive ring gear backlash
²Excessive differential side gear-to-case clearance
The source of a snap or a clunk noise can be deter-
mined with the assistance of a helper. Raise the ve-
hicle on a hoist with the wheels free to rotate.
Instruct the helper to shift the transmission into
gear. Listen for the noise, a mechanics stethoscope is
helpful in isolating the source of a noise.
JFRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLE 2 - 17

(9) Disconnect the tie rod from the steering
knuckle. Disconnect the steering dampener from the
axle bracket.
(10) Support the axle with a hydraulic jack under
the differential. Raise the axle just enough to relieve
the axle weight from the springs.
(11) Remove the spring U-bolts from the plate
brackets.
(12) Loosen BUT DO NOT REMOVE the bolts that
attach the spring rear pivot at the frame rail brack-
ets. This will allow the springs to pivot without bind-
ing on the bushings.
(13) Disconnect shackle from the springs and lower
the springs to the surface.
(14) Lower the jack enough to remove the axle.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: All suspension components that use rub-
ber bushings should be tightened with the vehicle
at the normal height. It is important to have the
springs supporting the weight of the vehicle when
the fasteners are torqued. If the springs are not at
their normal ride position, vehicle ride comfort
could be affected along with premature rubber
bushing wear. Rubber bushings must never be lu-
bricated.
(1) Support the axle on a hydraulic jack under the
differential. Position the axle under the vehicle.
(2) Raise the springs and install the spring shackle
bolts.Do not tighten at this time.
(3) Lower the axle and align the spring center
bolts with the locating holes in the axle pads and
plate brackets.
(4) Install the spring U-bolts through the plate
brackets and tighten to 122 Nzm (90 ft. lbs.) torque.
(5) Connect the track bar to the axle bracket and
install the bolt.Do not tighten at this time.
It is important that the springs support the
weight of the vehicle when the track bar is con-
nected. If the springs are not at their usual po-
sition, the vehicle ride comfort could be affected.
(6) Install the shock absorber and tighten the nut
to 61 Nzm (45 ft. lbs.) torque.
(7) Install the stabilizer bar link to the axle
bracket. Tighten the nut to 61 Nzm (45 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(8) Install the tie rod to the steering knuckles and
tighten the nuts to 47 Nzm (35 ft. lbs.) torque. Install
the steering dampener to the axle bracket and
tighten the bolt to 75 Nzm (55 ft. lbs.) torque.
(9) Install the brake components and ABS brake
sensor (if equipped). Refer to Group 5ÐBrakes.
(10) Connect the vent hose to the tube fitting and
axle shift motor vacuum harness.(11) Align the reference marks and connect the
drive shaft to the axle yoke. Tighten the U-joint
clamp bolts to 19 Nzm (14 ft. lbs.) torque.
(12) Check differential lubricant and add if neces-
sary.
(13) Install the wheel and tire assemblies.
(14) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
(15) Tighten the spring rear pivot bolt/nut to 142
Nzm (105 ft. lbs.) torque. Tighten the spring shackle
bolt/nut to 135 Nzm (100 ft. lbs.) torque.
(16) Tighten the track bar nut at the axle bracket
to 100 Nzm (74 ft. lbs.) torque.
(17) Check the front wheel alignment.
LUBRICANT CHANGE
The gear lubricant will drain quicker if the vehicle
has been recently driven.
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the lubricant fill hole plug from the
differential housing cover.
(3) Remove the differential housing cover and
drain the lubricant from the housing.
(4) Clean the housing cavity with a flushing oil,
light engine oil or lint free cloth.Do not use water,
steam, kerosene or gasoline for cleaning.
(5) Remove the sealant from the housing and cover
surfaces. Use solvent to clean the mating surfaces.
(6) Apply a bead of MOPARtSilicone Rubber Seal-
ant to the housing cover (Fig. 1).Allow the sealant
to cure for a few minutes.
Install the housing cover within 5 minutes af-
ter applying the sealant. If not installed the seal-
ant must be removed and another bead applied.
Fig. 1 Typical Housing Cover With Sealant
2 - 22 FRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLEJ