Differential fluid DODGE RAM 1999 Service Repair Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: DODGE, Model Year: 1999, Model line: RAM, Model: DODGE RAM 1999Pages: 1691, PDF Size: 40.34 MB
Page 319 of 1691
* B RAK E S YSTE M U NIF O RM IN SPEC TIO N G UID ELIN ES *
1 999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
GENERAL INFORMATION
Brake Systems - Motorist Assurance Program
Standards For Automotive Repair
All Makes & Models
CONTENTS
OVERVIEW OF MOTORIST ASSURANCE PROGRAM
OVERVIEW OF SERVICE REQUIREMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
ACCELEROMETERS (G SENSOR OR LATERAL)
ACCUMULATORS
ANCHOR PINS
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEMS
BACKING PLATES
BRAKE FLUID
BRAKE FRICTION MATERIAL
BRAKE PADS
BRAKE PEDALS
BRAKE SHOES
BRAKE SHOE HARDWARE
BRAKE STOPLIGHT SWITCHES
BULB SOCKETS
BULBS AND LEDS
CALIPER HARDWARE
CALIPERS
CONTROLLERS
DIGITAL RATIO AXLE CONTROLLERS AND BUFFERS (DRAC AND DRAB)
DISABLE SWITCHES
DRUMS
ELECTRICAL PUMPS AND MOTORS
ELECTRONIC CONTROLLERS
FLUID
FLUID LEVEL SENSOR SWITCHES
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE SWITCHES
FRICTION MATERIAL
G SENSORS
HOSES
HYDRAULIC MODULATORS
HYDRO-BOOSTERS
HYDRO-ELECTRIC BOOSTERS (POWERMASTER)
IGNITION DISABLE SWITCHES
LATERAL ACCELERATION SWITCHES
LEDS
LENSES
MASTER CYLINDERS
MODULATORS
MOTORS
PARKING BRAKE SWITCHES
PARKING BRAKE SYSTEMS
PADS
PEDAL TRAVEL SWITCHES
PEDALS
POWERMASTER
PUMPS
PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL SWITCHES
PRESSURE SWITCHES
RELAYS
ROTORS
SELF-ADJUSTING SYSTEMS
Page 352 of 1691
BRAK E S YSTE M
1999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
1998-99 BRAKES
CHRY - Disc & Drum - Trucks & Vans - Except FWD
Dakota, Ram Pickup, Ram Van
DESCRIPTION & OPERATION
All models are equipped with single-piston, sliding-caliper
front disc brakes with ventilated rotors. All models utilize self-
adjusting rear drum brakes. Rear Wheel Anti-Lock (RWAL) brake system
is standard on all models. Optional 4-wheel Anti-Lock (4WAL) brake
system is available on all models.
System also includes power brake booster, dual-reservoir
master cylinder and combination valve. Combination valve consists of
metering valve and pressure differential switch.
Models with diesel engine include a gear-driven vacuum pump.
Depending on speed of engine, pump produces 8-25 in. Hg. Models
without full-floating rear axle use 9", 10" or 11" single-anchor rear
brakes. Models with full-floating rear axle use 12" or 13" single-
anchor rear brakes.
NOTE: For information on Anti-Lock Brake Systems (ABS), see
appropriate ANTI-LOCK article.
BLEEDING BRAKE SYSTEM
BLEEDING PROCEDURES
Complete Brake System
Before bleeding system, exhaust all vacuum from power unit by
depressing brake pedal several times. Bleed master cylinder using
bleeder screws (if equipped). Bleed wheel cylinders and calipers in
sequence. See BLEEDING SEQUENCE table.
BLEEDING SEQUENCE
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Application Sequence
1999 Dakota & Ram Van .......... Master Cylinder, Combination Valve,
RR, LR, RF & LF
All Other Models ............... Master Cylinder, Combination Valve,
Rear Anti-Lock Valve, RR, LR, RF & LF
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Master Cylinder (Bench Bleeding)
1) Bench bleed master cylinder before installation. Place
master cylinder in soft-jaw vise. Install bleeder tubes in both
outlets of master cylinder. See Fig. 1.
2) Fill master cylinder with clean brake fluid. Ensure ends
of bleeder tubes are submerged in brake fluid.
3) Using a wood dowel, apply and release master cylinder
until no air bubbles exist in brake fluid flow. Leave bleeder tubes
installed on master cylinder during installation. Install master
cylinder. Remove bleeder tubes, and connect brakelines. Bleed brake
system if necessary.
Page 355 of 1691
1) Start engine, and check booster vacuum hose connections. A
hissing noise indicates a vacuum leak. Repair any vacuum leaks before
proceeding. Stop engine, and shift transmission into Neutral. Pump
brake pedal until all vacuum reserve in booster is depleted.
2) Hold brake pedal under light pressure. If pedal does not
hold firm and falls away, master cylinder may be faulty. Bleed system
using appropriate method, and repeat step 1). See BLEEDING PROCEDURES
under BLEEDING BRAKE SYSTEM.
3) If pedal still does not hold firm, master cylinder is
faulty. If pedal holds firm, start engine and observe pedal height. If
pedal height change is not apparent, power booster or vacuum check
valve is faulty. Install good check valve, and repeat steps 1) and 2).\
If pedal falls away slightly under light pressure and then holds firm,
go to next step .
4) Start engine. Release brake pedal. Increase engine speed
to 1500 RPM. Close throttle and immediately turn off ignition. Wait at
least 90 seconds, and try brake action again. Booster should provide 2
or more vacuum assisted pedal applications. If vacuum assist is not
provided, perform booster and check valve vacuum tests.
POWER BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM TEST
Connect vacuum gauge to booster check valve using "T"
fitting. Start engine, and run at idle speed for one minute. Clamp
hose shut between vacuum source and check valve. Stop engine, and
observe vacuum gauge. If vacuum drops more than one in. Hg within 15
seconds, booster diaphragm or check valve is faulty.
POWER BRAKE BOOSTER CHECK VALVE TEST
Disconnect vacuum hose from check valve. Remove check valve
and valve seal from booster. Use a hand-operated vacuum pump for
testing. Apply 15-20 in. Hg at large end of check valve. Vacuum should
hold steady. If gauge on pump indicates vacuum loss, check valve is
faulty and should be replaced.
COMBINATION VALVE METERING VALVE TEST
Metering valve operation can be checked visually with aid of
an assistant. While an assistant applies and releases brake pedal,
observe metering valve stem. If valve is operating correctly, stem
will extend slightly when brakes are applied, and contract when brakes
are released. If valve is faulty, replace combination valve assembly.
COMBINATION VALVE PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL SWITCH TEST
1) Using an assistant, apply brake pedal. Observe brake
warning light. Raise and support vehicle, and connect a bleed hose to
one rear wheel cylinder. Submerge other end of hose into container
partially filled with brake fluid. Have assistant press and hold brake
pedal down while observing brake warning light. Open bleeder screw. If
warning light glows, switch is operating properly.
2) If warning light fails to glow, check circuit fuse, bulb
and wiring. Repair as necessary. Repeat step 1). If warning light
fails to glow, check brakelight, parking brake switches and related
wiring. Repair as necessary. Repeat step 1). If warning light fails to
glow, pressure differential switch is faulty. Replace combination
valve assembly, and bleed brake system. Verify proper valve operation.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
Page 408 of 1691
FLUID TYPE
Use SAE 80W-90 or 90W hypoid gear lubricant with MIL-L-2105-C
and API GL-5 ratings.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
NOTE: See appropriate table in TROUBLE SHOOTING article in GENERAL
INFORMATION.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
AXLE SHAFT & HUB BEARING
Removal
1) Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel. Remove brake
caliper with hose attached, and secure aside. DO NOT allow brake
caliper to hang by brake hose. Remove brake rotor. Remove ABS wheel
speed sensor (if equipped). Remove grease cap from center of front
hub. Remove cotter pin from end of axle shaft. Remove axle nut and
washer.
2) Remove hub/bearing assembly-to-knuckle bolts. Remove
hub/bearing assembly from steering knuckle and axle shaft. Remove
brake dust shield. To remove right (passenger-side) axle shaft,
carefully pull axle shaft from axle housing.
NOTE: Left axle shaft will disengage from collar located on
intermediate axle shaft.
3) To remove left (driver's side) axle shaft, disconnect
electrical connector and vacuum hoses at vacuum shift motor. Remove
bolts, vacuum shift motor and gasket. Carefully pull axle shaft from
axle housing and collar on intermediate axle shaft.
Installation
1) Install NEW oil seal on axle shaft with seal lip facing
toward splines on differential end of axle shaft. Coat seal lip with
wheel bearing grease.
2) Install right axle shaft into axle housing. Ensure axle
shaft engages with side gears in differential.
3) To install left axle shaft, ensure collar is engaged with
splines on intermediate axle shaft. Install left axle shaft into axle
housing. Ensure axle shaft engages with splines on collar. Install
vacuum shift motor, ensuring fork on vacuum shift motor engages groove
on collar. Install and tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS table.
4) To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Apply
silicone rubber sealant to edge of grease cap before installing.
Tighten bolts/nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.
DRIVE SHAFT
Removal
1) Raise and support vehicle. Ensure transmission and
transfer selector levers case are in Neutral. Reference mark drive
shaft and pinion flange for reassembly reference.
2) Remove bolts and "U" joint straps at pinion flange. Remove
center carrier bearing bolts (if equipped). Remove drive shaft.
CAUTION: The "U" joint components are not serviceable. Replace
complete assembly. DO NOT reuse.
Page 409 of 1691
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure using NEW "U" joint
straps and bolts. Ensure all reference marks are aligned. Tighten
bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.
PINION FLANGE & OIL SEAL
Removal
1) Raise and support vehicle. Reference mark drive shaft and
pinion flange on differential for reassembly. Remove bolts and "U"
joint straps at pinion flange on differential. Disconnect drive shaft
from differential, and support it aside.
2) Using INCH-lb. torque wrench, measure amount of force
required to rotate pinion. This is pinion bearing preload. Record
pinion bearing preload for reassembly reference.
3) Remove pinion nut and washer from pinion. Scribe reference
mark on pinion flange and pinion for reassembly. Using Holder (C-3281)\
and appropriate flange remover, remove pinion flange from pinion.
Remove oil seal from axle housing.
Installation
1) Ensure oil seal surface in axle housing is clean. Coat lip
of oil seal with gear lube. Using appropriate oil seal installer and
handle, install oil seal.
2) Install pinion flange on pinion with reference mark
aligned. Press pinion flange onto pinion. Install washer and pinion
nut. Tighten pinion nut while rotating pinion, ensuring bearings are
properly seated. Tighten nut until preload measured before disassembly
is achieved. DO NOT exceed maximum torque specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS table.
3) To install remaining components, reverse removal procedure
using NEW "U" joint straps and bolts. Ensure all reference marks are
aligned. Tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
table. Check lubricant level and add if necessary.
AXLE HOUSING ASSEMBLY
NOTE: Removing axle housing assembly is not necessary unless axle
housing is damaged. Differential carrier and components can
be serviced by removing differential assembly from axle
housing.
Removal
1) Raise and support vehicle. Remove front wheels. Reference
mark drive shaft to pinion flange for reassembly. Remove bolts and "U"
joint straps at pinion flange. Remove drive shaft, and support aside.
Remove brake calipers, and support aside with wire. DO NOT allow
calipers to hang from brake hoses.
2) Disconnect ABS sensor harness connectors (if equipped).
Disconnect drag link and tie rod from steering knuckles. Disconnect
shock absorber from axle housing. Disconnect stabilizer bar links at
spring brackets.
3) Disconnect electrical connector and vacuum hoses at vacuum
shift motor. Support axle housing assembly with floor jack. Remove
bolts from upper and lower suspension arms. Lower axle housing
assembly from vehicle and remove.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure reference marks
on drive shaft and pinion flange align. Tighten suspension arms with
vehicle at normal operating height. Tighten bolt/nuts to
specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table. Check axle fluid level
Page 421 of 1691
(1) - Approximate drive axle capacity listed. Lubricant level should
be within 1/2" below bottom of oil filler hole in axle housing
cover.
( 2) - Add container of Mopar Gear Oil Friction Modifier when
refilling.
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FLUID TYPE
Use SAE 80W-90 or SAE 90W hypoid gear lubricant with MIL-L-
2105-B and API GL-5 ratings. Also add a container of Mopar Gear Oil
Friction Modifier when refilling.
FLUID DRAIN & REFILL
1) With lubricant of rear axle assembly at normal operating
temperature, raise and support vehicle so rear wheels are free to
rotate. Clean around axle housing cover. Loosen axle housing cover
bolts. Drain lubricant from axle housing. Remove bolts and axle
housing cover.
2) Position differential so hole in differential case faces
down. Wipe all accessible areas of axle housing. Ensure sealing
surfaces on axle housing and cover are clean. Apply a 1/4" thick bead
of silicone sealant on inside of bolt holes and along sealing surfaces
on axle housing cover.
3) Install axle housing cover, axle identification tag and
retaining bolts. Tighten bolts to 30 ft. lbs. (41 N.m). Remove oil
filler plug. Add a container of Mopar Gear Oil Friction Modifier. Fill
axle with gear lube. Install oil filler plug. Lower vehicle.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
DIFFERENTIAL NOISE
1) Ensure differential lubricant is at normal operating
temperature. Road test vehicle. Note if differential noise exists in
turns, but not during straight-ahead driving. Probable cause is
incorrect or insufficient rear axle lubricant or additive.
2) Drain and refill rear axle. See FLUID DRAIN & REFILL under
LUBRICATION. Road test vehicle and note if noise still exists, it may
be necessary to disassemble rear axle so differential can be repaired.
See RBI FULL-FLOATING AXLES article for removal of differential case.
TESTING
NOTE: Power-Lok differential can be tested without removing
differential carrier from axle housing. Either test can be
used to check drive axle.
TEST I
1) Place blocks under both front wheels. Ensure engine is off
and transmission is in Neutral. Release parking brake. Raise one rear
wheel until it is completely clear of the floor. Remove wheel. Install
Adapter (6790) to wheel studs, and tighten securely.
2) Using torque wrench on adapter, rotate axle, and record
torque required. Repeat procedure for remaining rear wheel position.
If rotational torque for either rear wheel is less than 30 ft. lbs.
(41 N.m) or greater than 200 ft. lbs. (271 N.m), Power-Lok unit must\
be replaced or repaired.
Page 427 of 1691
nut. Tighten pinion nut while rotating pinion, ensuring bearings are
properly seated. Tighten nut until preload measured before disassembly
is achieved. DO NOT exceed maximum torque specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS.
3) To install remaining components, reverse removal procedure
using NEW "U" joint straps and bolts. Ensure all reference marks are
aligned. Tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
Check lubricant level and add if necessary.
AXLE HOUSING ASSEMBLY
NOTE: Removing axle housing assembly is not necessary unless axle
housing is damaged. Differential carrier and components can
be serviced by removing differential assembly from axle
housing.
Removal
1) Block brake pedal in upward position, as brake fluid lines
must be disconnected. Raise and support vehicle at body, in front of
rear springs. Remove rear wheels.
2) Reference mark drive shaft to pinion flange for
reassembly. Remove bolts and "U" joint straps at pinion flange. Remove
drive shaft, and support aside.
3) Disconnect and plug brakelines. Disconnect parking brake
cables. Disconnect shock absorbers. On models with Rear Wheel Anti-
Lock (RWAL) brakes, disconnect electrical connector at brake sensor on\
top of axle housing.
4) On all axles, support axle housing assembly with floor
jack. Remove rear spring "U" bolts. Lower axle housing assembly and
remove from vehicle.
Installation
1) To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure rear spring
center bolts align with holes in spring pads on axle housing assembly.
2) Ensure reference marks on drive shaft and pinion flange
align. Tighten bolt/nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
Bleed and adjust brakes. Check axle fluid level and fill if necessary.
DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY
NOTE: Differential assembly consists of differential case and
components mounted in axle housing. For differential assembly
servicing, see DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY under OVERHAUL.
OVERHAUL
DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY
Disassembly
1) On axles with Rear Wheel Anti-Lock (RWAL) brakes, remove
brake sensor from top of axle housing. On all axles, remove axle
shafts from differential. See REAR HUB, BEARINGS & AXLE SHAFT under
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
2) Note identification marks on bearing caps and axle housing
for reassembly reference. Bearing caps must be installed in original
location. If marks are not present, place marks on bearing caps and
axle housing.
3) Remove bearing caps. Place Axle Housing Spreader (W-129-B)\
on axle housing so dowel pins engage with locating holes. See Fig. 2.
Install hold-down clamps. Finger tighten turnbuckle on axle housing
spreader.
4) Install Guide Pin (C3288-B) at left side of axle housing.\
Page 439 of 1691
![DODGE RAM 1999 Service Repair Manual NOTE: Axle ratio can be identified by axle identification tag
attached to axle housing cover. See AXLE RATIO SPECIFICATIONS
table.
AXLE RATIO SPECIFICATIONS
\](/img/12/56915/w960_56915-438.png "DODGE RAM 1999 Service Repair Manual NOTE: Axle ratio can be identified by axle identification tag
attached to axle housing cover. See AXLE RATIO SPECIFICATIONS
table.
AXLE RATIO SPECIFICATIONS
\")
NOTE: Axle ratio can be identified by axle identification tag
attached to axle housing cover. See AXLE RATIO SPECIFICATIONS
table.
AXLE RATIO SPECIFICATIONS
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Application Ratio
8 1/4" Ring Gear ........................... 3.21:1, 3.55:1 & 3.90:1
9 1/4" Ring Gear ........................... 3.21:1, 3.55:1 & 3.92:1
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LUBRICATION
CAPACITY
DRIVE AXLE CAPACITY ( 1) \
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Application Pts. (L)\
8 1/4" Ring Gears .................................... ( 2) 4.4 (2.1)
9 1/4" Ring Gear ..................................... ( 2) 4.9 (2.3)
( 1) - Approximate drive axle capacity listed. Lubricant level should
be within 1/2" below bottom of oil filler hole in axle housing
cover.
( 2) - Add 5 ounces of (148 ml) Trac-Loc additive.
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FLUID TYPE
Use SAE 80W-90 hypoid gear lubricant with MIL-L-2105-C and
API GL-5 ratings.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
NOTE: See appropriate table in TROUBLE SHOOTING article in GENERAL
INFORMATION.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
AXLE SHAFT & BEARING
CAUTION: When servicing differential, DO NOT rotate one axle shaft
unless both axles are installed into differential. Rotation
of one axle shaft without other in place may result in
misalignment of side gears in differential. This would
require difficult realignment of side gears before axle
shafts can be installed.
Removal
1) Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel and brake drum.
Clean area around axle housing cover. Loosen axle housing cover bolts.
Drain lubricant from axle housing. Remove bolts and axle housing
cover. Rotate differential carrier for access to lock bolt. See Fig. 1
.
2) Remove lock bolt and pinion shaft from differential
carrier. See Fig. 1. Push axle shaft inward, toward center of vehicle.
Remove clip from groove in end of axle shaft. Remove axle shaft from
Page 441 of 1691
bearing preload is checked before disassembly, as previous
pinion bearing preload will be used during reassembly.
Removal
1) Raise and support vehicle. Scribe reference mark on drive
shaft-to-pinion flange on differential for reassembly reference.
Remove bolts and "U" joint straps at pinion flange on differential.
Disconnect drive shaft from differential.
2) Remove rear wheels and brake drums to prevent any drag
that may affect pinion bearing preload reading. Using INCH-lb. torque
wrench, measure amount of force required to rotate pinion. This is
pinion bearing preload. Record pinion bearing preload for reassembly
reference.
3) Using Holder (6719), hold pinion flange. Remove pinion nu\
t
and washer. Scribe reference mark on pinion flange-to-pinion for
reassembly reference. Using appropriate puller, remove pinion flange
from pinion. Remove oil seal from axle housing.
Installation
1) Ensure oil seal surface in axle housing is clean. Coat lip
of oil seal with gear lube. Install oil seal using appropriate seal
installer. Drive oil seal into axle housing until oil seal installer
contacts axle housing.
2) Install pinion flange on pinion with reference mark
aligned. Using appropriate pinion flange installer, install pinion
flange on pinion.
CAUTION: Washer must be installed on pinion with convex side of washer
facing outward (away from pinion).
3) Install washer on pinion with convex side of washer facing
outward (away from pinion). Install NEW pinion nut. Tighten pinion nut\
to 210 ft. lbs. (285 N.m). Rotate pinion several times to seat pinion
bearings.
CAUTION: DO NOT overtighten or loosen then retighten pinion nut when
adjusting pinion bearing preload. If pinion nut is over
tightened, collapsible spacer on pinion must be replaced. See
OVERHAUL.
4) Using INCH-lb. torque wrench, measure pinion bearing
preload. Tighten pinion nut in small increments until original pinion
bearing preload is obtained.
5) To install remaining components, reverse removal procedure
using NEW "U" joint straps and bolts. Ensure all reference marks are
aligned. Tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
Check lubricant level and add if necessary.
AXLE HOUSING ASSEMBLY
NOTE: It is not necessary to remove axle housing assembly, unless
axle housing is damaged. Differential carrier and components
can be serviced by removing differential assembly from axle
housing.
Removal
1) Raise and support vehicle. Block brake pedal in upward
position so brake pedal cannot be depressed, as brakelines must be
disconnected.
2) Remove rear wheels. DO NOT remove brake drums. Disconnect
brakelines at wheel cylinders. Cap brakelines to prevent fluid loss.
Disconnect axle housing vent hose.
3) Remove brake tee fitting bolt, and disengage brakelines
Page 452 of 1691
![DODGE RAM 1999 Service Repair Manual LUBRICATION
CAPACITY
DRIVE AXLE CAPACITY ( 1) \
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CAPACITY
DRIVE AXLE CAPACITY ( 1) \
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LUBRICATION
CAPACITY
DRIVE AXLE CAPACITY ( 1) \
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Application ( 2) Pts. (L)
Dakota .................................................... 4.7(2.2)\
Ram Pickup
248 RBI ................................................ 6.3 (3.0)\
267 RBI .................................................. 7 (3.3)\
286 RBI
2WD ................................................... 6.8 (3.2)\
4WD .................................................. 10.1 (4.8)\
Ram Van/Wagon ............................................ 6.3 (3.0)\
( 1) - Approximate drive axle capacity listed. Lubricant level should
be within 1/2" below bottom of oil filler hole in axle housing
cover.
( 2) - Add container of Mopar Gear Oil Friction Modifier when
refilling.
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FLUID TYPE
Use SAE 80W-90 or SAE 90W hypoid gear lubricant with MIL-L-
2105-C and API GL-5 ratings. Also add a container of Mopar Gear Oil
Friction Modifier when refilling.
FLUID DRAIN & REFILL
1) With lubricant of rear axle assembly at operating
temperature, raise and support vehicle so rear wheels are free to
rotate. Clean around axle housing cover. Loosen axle housing cover
bolts. Drain lubricant from axle housing. Remove bolts and axle
housing cover.
2) Position differential so hole in differential case is
facing downward. Wipe out all accessible areas of axle housing. Ensure
sealing surfaces on axle housing and cover are clean. Apply a 1/4"
thick bead of silicone sealant on inside of bolt holes and along
sealing surfaces on axle housing cover.
3) Install axle housing cover, axle identification tag and
retaining bolts. Tighten bolts to 30-35 ft. lbs. (41-47 N.m). Remove
oil filler plug. Add a container of Mopar Gear Oil Friction Modifier.
Fill axle with gear lube. Install oil filler plug. Lower vehicle.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
DIFFERENTIAL NOISE
1) Ensure differential lubricant is at normal operating
temperature. Road test vehicle. Note if differential noise exists in
turns, but not during straight-ahead driving. Probable cause is
incorrect or insufficient rear axle lubricant or additive.
2) Drain and refill rear axle. See FLUID DRAIN & REFILL under
LUBRICATION. Road test vehicle making 10-12 slow figure-8 turns and
note if noise still exists. It may be necessary to disassemble rear
axle so differential can be repaired. See RBI FULL FLOATING AXLES
article for removal of differential case.