clutch DODGE RAM 2001 Service Owner's Guide

ASSEMBLY
The Powr-Lokydifferential has a two-piece cross
shaft and uses 2 disc and 3 plates for each clutch
pack. One plate and one disc in each clutch pack is
dished.
NOTE: The clutch discs are replaceable as com-
plete sets only. If one clutch disc pack is damaged,
both packs must be replaced.
(1) Saturate the clutch plates with MopartHypoid
Gear Lubricant or Additive (Fig. 39). Assemble clutch
packs into the side gear plate in exactly the same
position as removed (Fig. 38).
(2) Line up the plate ears and install the assem-
bled pack into the flange half (Fig. 40). Ensure that
the clutch plate lugs enter the slots in the case. Also
ensure that the clutch pack bottoms out on the case.
(3) Install pinion mate shafts and pinion mate
gears (Fig. 41).Make sure shafts are correctly
installed according to the alignment marks.
(4) Lubricate and install the other side gear and
clutch pack (Fig. 40).
(5) Correctly align and assemble button half to
flange half. Install case body screws finger tight.
(6) Tighten body screws alternately and evenly.
Tighten screws to 89-94 N´m (65-70 ft. lbs.) torque
(Fig. 42).
Fig. 39 Clutch Pack Pre-lubrication
1 - CLUTCH PLATES
2 - SIDE GEAR
3 - CLUTCH RING
Fig. 40 Clutch Pack Installation
1 - LUGS
2 - FLANGE HALF
3 - SIDE GEAR
Fig. 41 Clutch Pack
1 - CLUTCH PACK
2 - SIDE GEAR
3 - PINION GEARS AND MATE SHAFT
4 - ALIGNMENT MARKS
BR/BEREAR AXLE - 267RBI 3 - 163
DIFFERENTIAL - POWR-LOK (Continued)

REAR AXLE - 286RBI
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
REAR AXLE - 286RBI
DESCRIPTION..........................169
OPERATION............................169
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING................171
AXLE...............................171
REMOVAL.............................173
INSTALLATION..........................174
ADJUSTMENTS.........................174
SPECIFICATIONS........................182
SPECIAL TOOLS........................182
AXLE SHAFTS
REMOVAL.............................185
INSTALLATION..........................185
AXLE BEARINGS
REMOVAL.............................185
INSTALLATION..........................185
PINION SEAL
REMOVAL.............................185INSTALLATION..........................185
DIFFERENTIAL
REMOVAL.............................187
DISASSEMBLY..........................188
ASSEMBLY............................188
INSTALLATION..........................188
DIFFERENTIAL - TRAC-LOK
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING................190
TRAC-LOK...........................190
DISASSEMBLY..........................190
ASSEMBLY............................190
DIFFERENTIAL CASE BEARINGS
REMOVAL.............................192
INSTALLATION..........................192
PINION GEAR/RING GEAR/TONE RING
REMOVAL.............................193
INSTALLATION..........................195
REAR AXLE - 286RBI
DESCRIPTION
The 286 Rear Beam-design Iron (RBI) axle hous-
ings consist of an iron center casting (differential
housing) with axle shaft tubes extending from either
side. The tubes are pressed in to form a one-piece
axle housing.
The integral type housing, hypoid gear design has
the centerline of the pinion set below the centerline
of the ring gear.
The axles are equipped with full-floating axle
shafts, meaning that loads are supported by the axle
housing tubes. The full-float axle shafts are retained
by bolts attached to the hub. The hub rides on two
bearings at the outboard end of the axle tube. The
axle shafts can be removed without disturbing or
removing the wheel bearings. The wheel bearings are
opposed tapered roller bearings and are contained in
the hub assembly.
The removable, stamped steel cover provides a
means for inspection and service without removing
the complete axle from the vehicle. A small, stamped
metal axle gear ratio identification tag is attached to
the housing cover via one of the cover bolts. This tag
also identifies the number of ring and pinion teeth.
The rear wheel anti-lock (RWAL) brake speed sen-
sor is attached to the top, forward exterior of the dif-
ferential housing. A seal is located between thesensor and the wire harness connector. The seal must
be in place when the wire connector is connected to
the sensor. The RWAL brake exciter ring is press-fit-
ted onto the differential case against the ring gear
flange.
The differential case for the standard differential is
a one-piece design. The differential pinion mate shaft
is retained with a roll pin. Differential bearing pre-
load and ring gear backlash are adjusted by the use
of shims located between the differential bearing
cones and case. Pinion bearing preload is set and
maintained by the use of solid shims.
Axles equipped with a Trac-Lokydifferential are
optional for the 286 RBI axle. A Trac-lokydifferen-
tial contains two clutch packs, four pinion gears, and
a one-piece pinion mate cross shaft to provide
increased torque to the non-slipping wheel in addi-
tion to the standard differential components. A Trac-
lokydifferential for the 286 RBI axle has a two-piece
differential case.
OPERATION
STANDARD DIFFERENTIAL
The axle receives power from the transmission/
transfer case 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
BR/BEREAR AXLE - 286RBI 3 - 169

through the pinion mate and side gears. The side
gears are splined to the axle shafts.
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.
TRAC-LOKYDIFFERENTIAL
The Trac-lokyclutches are engaged by two concur-
rent forces. The first being the preload force exerted
through Belleville spring washers within the clutch
packs. The second is the separating forces generated
by the side gears as torque is applied through the
ring gear (Fig. 3).
The Trac-lokydesign provides the differential
action needed for turning corners and for driving
straight ahead during periods of unequal traction.
When one wheel looses traction, the clutch packs
transfer additional torque to the wheel having the
most traction. Trac-lokydifferentials resist wheel spin
Fig. 1 Differential Operation - Straight Ahead Driving
1 - IN STRAIGHT AHEAD DRIVING EACH WHEEL ROTATES AT
100% OF CASE SPEED
2 - PINION GEAR
3 - SIDE GEAR
4 - PINION GEARS ROTATE WITH CASE
Fig. 2 Differential Operation - On Turns
1 - PINION GEARS ROTATE ON PINION SHAFT
Fig. 3 Trac-lokYLimited Slip Differential
1 - CASE
2 - RING GEAR
3 - DRIVE PINION
4 - PINION GEAR
5 - MATE SHAFT
6 - CLUTCH PACK
7 - SIDE GEAR
8 - CLUTCH PACK
3 - 170 REAR AXLE - 286RBIBR/BE
REAR AXLE - 286RBI (Continued)

on bumpy roads and provide more pulling power when
one wheel looses traction. Pulling power is provided
continuously until both wheels loose traction. If both
wheels slip due to unequal traction, Trac-lokyopera-
tion is normal. In extreme cases of differences of trac-
tion, the wheel with the least traction may spin.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AXLE
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 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 changeswhen 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)
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.
²Transmission shift operation.
²Loose engine/transmission/transfer case mounts.
²Worn U-joints.
²Loose spring mounts.
²Loose pinion gear nut and yoke.
²Excessive ring gear backlash.
²Excessive 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 vehi-
cle 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.
BR/BEREAR AXLE - 286RBI 3 - 171
REAR AXLE - 286RBI (Continued)

DIAGNOSTIC CHART
Condition Possible Causes Correction
Wheel Noise 1. Wheel loose. 1. Tighten loose nuts.
2. Faulty, brinelled wheel bearing. 2. Replace bearing.
Axle Shaft Noise 1. Misaligned axle tube. 1. Inspect axle tube alignment. Correct
as necessary.
2. Bent or sprung axle shaft. 2. Inspect and correct as necessary.
Axle Shaft Broke 1. Misaligned axle tube. 1. Replace the broken shaft after
correcting tube mis-alignment.
2 Vehicle overloaded. 2. Replace broken shaft and avoid
excessive weight on vehicle.
3. Erratic clutch operation. 3. Replace broken shaft and avoid or
correct erratic clutch operation.
4. Grabbing clutch. 4. Replace broken shaft and inspect and
repair clutch as necessary.
Differential Cracked 1. Improper adjustment of the
differential bearings.1. Replace case and inspect gears and
bearings for further damage. Set
differential bearing pre-load properly.
2. Excessive ring gear backlash. 2. Replace case and inspect gears and
bearings for further damage. Set ring
gear backlash properly.
3. Vehicle overloaded. 3. Replace case and inspect gears and
bearings for further damage. Avoid
excessive vehicle weight.
4. Erratic clutch operation. 4. Replace case and inspect gears and
bearings for further damage. Avoid
erratic use of clutch.
Differential Gears Scored 1. Insufficient lubrication. 1. Replace scored gears. Fill differential
with the correct fluid type and quantity.
2. Improper grade of lubricant. 2. Replace scored gears. Fill differential
with the correct fluid type and quantity.
3. Excessive spinning of one wheel/tire. 3. Replace scored gears. Inspect all
gears, pinion bores, and shaft for
damage. Service as necessary.
Loss Of Lubricant 1. Lubricant level too high. 1. Drain lubricant to the correct level.
2. Worn axle shaft seals. 2. Replace seals.
3. Cracked differential housing. 3. Repair as necessary.
4. Worn pinion seal. 4. Replace seal.
5. Worn/scored yoke. 5. Replace yoke and seal.
6. Axle cover not properly sealed. 6. Remove, clean, and re-seal cover.
3 - 172 REAR AXLE - 286RBIBR/BE
REAR AXLE - 286RBI (Continued)

Condition Possible Causes Correction
Axle Overheating 1. Lubricant level low. 1. Fill differential to correct level.
2. Improper grade of lubricant. 2. Fill differential with the correct fluid
type and quantity.
3. Bearing pre-loads too high. 3. Re-adjust bearing pre-loads.
4. Insufficient ring gear backlash. 4. Re-adjust ring gear backlash.
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. Adjust backlash or pinion depth.
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.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Position a suitable lifting device under the
axle.
(3) Secure axle to device.
(4) Remove the wheels and tires.
(5) Secure brake drums to the axle shaft.
(6) Remove the RWAL sensor from the differential
housing, if necessary. Refer to 5 Brakes for proce-
dures.
(7) Disconnect the brake hose at the axle junction
block. Do not disconnect the brake hydraulic lines at
the wheel cylinders. Refer to 5 Brakes for procedures.(8) Disconnect the parking brake cables and cable
brackets.
(9) Disconnect the vent hose from the axle shaft
tube.
(10) Mark the propeller shaft and companion
flange for installation alignment reference.
(11) Remove propeller shaft.
(12) Disconnect shock absorbers from axle.
(13) Remove the spring clamps and spring brack-
ets. Refer to 2 Suspension for procedures.
(14) Separate the axle from the vehicle.
BR/BEREAR AXLE - 286RBI 3 - 173
REAR AXLE - 286RBI (Continued)

(14) Remove support and lower vehicle.
DIFFERENTIAL - TRAC-LOK
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TRAC-LOKY
The most common problem is a chatter noise when
turning corners. Before removing a Trac-lokyunit
for repair, drain, flush and refill the axle with the
specified lubricant. A container of Mopar Trac-loky
Lubricant (friction modifier) should be added after
repair service 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. 35).
(6) If rotating torque is less than 22 N´m (30 ft.
lbs.) or more than 271 N´m (200 ft. lbs.) on either
wheel the unit should be serviced.
DISASSEMBLY
The Trac-Lokydifferential on this axle has a one-
piece cross shaft and uses one dished disc, regular 5
disc and 7 plates.
NOTE: Pay attention to the clutch pack arrangement
during disassembly. Note the direction of the con-
cave and convex side of the plates and discs.
(1) Mark the ring gear half and cover half for
installation reference (Fig. 36).
(2) Remove case attaching bolts and remove the
button cover half (Fig. 37).
(3) Remove top clutch pack.
(4) Remove top side gear clutch ring.
(5) Remove top side gear.
(6) Remove pinion mate gears and cross shaft.
(7) Remove the same parts listed above from the
ring gear flange half of the case. Keep these parts
with the flange cover half for installation in their
original positions.
ASSEMBLY
The Trac-Lokydifferential for this axle has a one-
piece cross shaft and uses one dished disc, 5 regular
disc and 7 plates for each clutch pack.
NOTE: The clutch discs are replaceable as com-
plete sets only. If one clutch disc pack is damaged,
both packs must be replaced.
Fig. 34 Differential Cover
1 - SEALANT SURFACE
2 - SEALANT
3 - SEALANT THICKNESS
Fig. 35 Trac-lokYTest - Typical
3 - 190 REAR AXLE - 286RBIBR/BE
DIFFERENTIAL (Continued)

Lubricate each component with gear lube before
assembly and installation.(1) Saturate the clutch plates with Mopar Hypoid
Gear Lubricant or Additive.
(2) Assembly the discs and plates on the side gear
(Fig. 38) in the following order.
(a) Install dished disc on side gear.
(b) Install one disc on side gear.
(c) Install one plate on side gear.
(d) Install one disc on side gear.
(e) Install one plate on side gear.
(f) Install three discs on side gear.
(g) Install five plates on side gear.
(3) Line up the plate ears and install the assem-
bled pack into the flange half (Fig. 39). Verify clutch
plate lugs enter the slots in the case and clutch pack
bottoms out in the case.
(4) Install pinion mate shafts and pinion mate
gears (Fig. 40).Verify shafts are correctly
installed according to the alignment marks.
(5) Lubricate and install the other side gear and
clutch pack (Fig. 39).
(6) Correctly align and assemble button half to
flange half. Install case body screws finger tight.
(7) Tighten body screws alternately and evenly.
Tighten screws to 122-136 N´m (90-100 ft. lbs.) (Fig.
41).
Fig. 36 Case Marked
1 - REFERENCE MARKS
Fig. 37 Cover Half Removal
1 - CLUTCH PLATES
2 - BUTTON HALF
3 - FLANGE HALF
Fig. 38 Clutch Pack Assembly
1 - CLUTCH PLATES
2 - SIDE GEAR
3 - CLUTCH RING
BR/BEREAR AXLE - 286RBI 3 - 191
DIFFERENTIAL - TRAC-LOK (Continued)

DIFFERENTIAL CASE
BEARINGS
REMOVAL
(1) Remove differential case from axle housing.
(2) Remove the bearings from the differential case
with Press 938 and Bearing Splitter 1130 (Fig. 42).
INSTALLATION
If ring and pinion gears have been replaced, verify
differential side bearing preload and gear mesh back-
lash.
(1) Using tool C-4190 with handle C-4171, install
differential side bearings (Fig. 43).
(2) Install differential in axle housing.
Fig. 39 Clutch Pack
1 - LUGS
2 - FLANGE HALF
3 - SIDE GEAR
Fig. 40 Clutch Pack
1 - CLUTCH PACK
2 - SIDE GEAR
3 - PINION GEARS AND MATE SHAFT
4 - ALIGNMENT MARKS
Fig. 41 Case Halfs
1 - FIXTURE
2 - CASE BOLTS
3 - TORQUE WRENCH
3 - 192 REAR AXLE - 286RBIBR/BE
DIFFERENTIAL - TRAC-LOK (Continued)

CLUTCH
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
CLUTCH
DESCRIPTION............................1
OPERATION.............................1
WARNING...............................2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING..................2
CLUTCH...............................2
SPECIFICATIONS.........................7
CLUTCH DISC
DESCRIPTION............................7
OPERATION.............................8
REMOVAL...............................8
INSTALLATION............................9
CLUTCH HOUSING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................11
CLUTCH HOUSING.....................11
REMOVAL..............................13
INSTALLATION...........................13
CLUTCH RELEASE BEARING
DESCRIPTION...........................14
OPERATION.............................14
REMOVAL..............................15
INSTALLATION...........................15
PRESSURE PLATE
DESCRIPTION...........................15OPERATION.............................16
FLYWHEEL
DESCRIPTION...........................16
OPERATION.............................16
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................17
FLYWHEEL............................17
DISASSEMBLY...........................17
ASSEMBLY.............................17
PILOT BEARING
DESCRIPTION...........................17
OPERATION.............................18
REMOVAL..............................18
INSTALLATION...........................18
CLUTCH PEDAL
REMOVAL..............................18
INSTALLATION...........................19
LINKAGE
DESCRIPTION...........................19
OPERATION.............................20
REMOVAL..............................20
INSTALLATION...........................20
CLUTCH PEDAL POSITION SWITCH
DESCRIPTION...........................22
OPERATION.............................22
CLUTCH
DESCRIPTION
The clutch mechanism consists of a flywheel, a sin-
gle, dry-type disc, and a diaphragm style clutch cover
(Fig. 1). A hydraulic linkage is used to operate the
clutch release bearing and fork. The flywheel is
bolted to the rear flange of the crankshaft. The
clutch pressure plate is bolted to the flywheel with
the clutch disc located between these two compo-
nents. The clutch system provides the mechanical,
but still easily detachable, link between the engine
and the transmission. The system is designed to
ensure that the full torque output of the engine is
transfered to the transmission while isolating the
transmission from the engine firing pulses to mini-
mize concerns such as gear rattle.
OPERATION
Leverage, clamping force, and friction are what
make the clutch work. The disc serves as the friction
element and a diaphragm spring and pressure plate
provide the clamping force. The clutch pedal, hydrau-
lic linkage, release lever and bearing provide the
leverage.
The clutch master cylinder push rod is connected
to the clutch pedal. When the clutch pedal is
depressed, the slave cylinder is operated by the
clutch master cylinder mounted on the dash panel.
The release fork is actuated by the hydraulic slave
cylinder mounted on the transmission housing. The
release bearing is operated by a release fork pivoting
on a ball stud mounted in the transmission housing.
The release bearing then depresses the pressure
plate spring fingers, thereby releasing pressure on
the clutch disc and allowing the engine crankshaft to
spin independently of the transmission input shaft
(Fig. 2).
BR/BECLUTCH 6 - 1