wheel bolt torque DODGE RAM 2002 Service Repair Manual

DRIVELINE VIBRATION
Drive Condition Possible Cause Correction
Propeller Shaft Noise 1) Undercoating or other foreign
material on shaft.1) Clean exterior of shaft and wash
with solvent.
2) Loose U-joint clamp screws. 2) Install new clamps and screws
and tighten to proper torque.
3) Loose or bent U-joint yoke or
excessive runout.3) Install new yoke.
4) Incorrect driveline angularity. 4) Measure and correct driveline
angles.
5) Rear spring center bolt not in
seat.5) Loosen spring u-bolts and seat
center bolt.
6) Worn U-joint bearings. 6) Install new U-joint.
7) Propeller shaft damaged or out
of balance.7) Installl new propeller shaft.
8) Broken rear spring. 8) Install new rear spring.
9) Excessive runout or unbalanced
condition.9) Re-index propeller shaft, test,
and evaluate.
10) Excessive drive pinion gear
shaft runout.10) Re-index propeller shaft and
evaluate.
11) Excessive axle yoke deflection. 11) Inspect and replace yoke if
necessary.
12) Excessive transfer case runout. 12) Inspect and repair as necessary.
Universal Joint Noise 1) Loose U-joint clamp screws. 1) Install new clamps and screws
and tighten to proper torque.
2) Lack of lubrication. 2) Replace as U-joints as
necessary.
BALANCE
NOTE: Removing and re-indexing the propeller
shaft 180É relative to the yoke may eliminate some
vibrations.
If propeller shaft is suspected of being unbalanced,
it can be verified with the following procedure:
(1) Raise the vehicle.
(2) Clean all the foreign material from the propel-
ler shaft and the universal joints.
(3) Inspect the propeller shaft for missing balance
weights, broken welds and bent areas.If the propel-
ler shaft is bent, it must be replaced.
(4) Inspect the universal joints to ensure that they
are not worn, properly installed and correctly aligned
with the shaft.
(5) Check the universal joint clamp screws torque.
(6) Remove the wheels and tires. Install the wheel
lug nuts to retain the brake drums or rotors.
(7) Mark and number the shaft six inches from the
yoke end at four positions 90É apart.(8) Run and accelerate the vehicle until vibration
occurs. Note the intensity and speed the vibration
occurred. Stop the engine.
(9) Install a screw clamp at position 1 (Fig. 1).
(10) Start the engine and re-check for vibration. If
there is little or no change in vibration, move the
clamp to one of the other three positions. Repeat the
vibration test.
(11) If there is no difference in vibration at the
other positions, the source of the vibration may not
be propeller shaft.
(12) If the vibration decreased, install a second
clamp (Fig. 2) and repeat the test.
(13) If the additional clamp causes an additional
vibration, separate the clamps (1/2 inch above and
below the mark). Repeat the vibration test (Fig. 3).
(14) Increase distance between the clamp screws
and repeat the test until the amount of vibration is
at the lowest level. Bend the slack end of the clamps
so the screws will not loosen.
3 - 2 PROPELLER SHAFTBR/BE
PROPELLER SHAFT (Continued)

Condition Possible Causes Correction
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.
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) Remove wheels and tires.
(3) Remove brake calipers and rotors. Refer to 5
Brakes for procedures.
(4) Remove ABS wheel speed sensors, if equipped.
Refer to 5 Brakes for procedures.
(5) Disconnect axle vent hose.
(6) Disconnect vacuum hose and electrical connec-
tor at disconnect housing.
(7) Remove front propeller shaft.
(8) Disconnect stabilizer bar links at the axle
brackets.
(9) Disconnect shock absorbers from axle brackets.
(10) Disconnect track bar from the axle bracket.
(11) Disconnect tie rod and drag link from the
steering knuckles.
(12) Position suitable lifting device under the axle
assembly.(13) Secure axle to lifting device.
(14) Mark suspension alignment cams for installa-
tion reference.
(15) Disconnect upper and lower suspension arms
from the axle bracket.
(16) Lower the axle. The coil springs will drop
with the axle.
(17) Remove the coil springs from the axle bracket.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Suspension components with rubber
bushings should be tightened with the weight of the
vehicle on the suspension, at normal height. If
springs are not at their normal ride position, vehicle
ride comfort could be affected and premature bush-
ing wear may occur. Rubber bushings must never
be lubricated.
(1) Support the axle on a suitable lifting device.
3 - 18 FRONT AXLE - 248FBIBR/BE
FRONT AXLE - 248FBI (Continued)

REAR AXLE - 248RBI
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
REAR AXLE - 248RBI
DESCRIPTION.........................46
OPERATION...........................46
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AXLE..........47
REMOVAL.............................51
INSTALLATION.........................51
ADJUSTMENTS........................51
SPECIFICATIONS
REAR AXLE - 248RBI..................59
SPECIAL TOOLS
REAR AXLE - 248RBI..................59
AXLE SHAFTS
REMOVAL.............................62
INSTALLATION.........................62
AXLE BEARINGS
REMOVAL.............................62
INSTALLATION.........................62
PINION SEAL
REMOVAL.............................63INSTALLATION.........................63
DIFFERENTIAL
REMOVAL.............................64
DISASSEMBLY.........................65
ASSEMBLY............................66
INSTALLATION.........................66
DIFFERENTIAL - TRAC-LOK
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TRAC-LOKT.....67
DISASSEMBLY.........................68
ASSEMBLY............................70
DIFFERENTIAL CASE BEARINGS
REMOVAL.............................72
INSTALLATION.........................72
PINION GEAR/RING GEAR/TONE RING
REMOVAL.............................73
INSTALLATION.........................75
REAR AXLE - 248RBI
DESCRIPTION
The Rear Beam-design Iron (RBI) axle housings consist
of an iron center casting (differential housing) with axle
shaft tubes extending from either side. The tubes are
pressed into the differential housing and welded. The
axles are equipped with full-floating axle shafts, meaning
that loads are supported by the axle housing tubes.
The differential case for the standard differentials
and the Trac-loktdifferential are a one-piece design.
Differential bearing preload 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 a collaps-
ible spacer. The removable, stamped steel cover pro-
vides a means for inspection and service.
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 shaftsthrough 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).Fig. 1 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
3 - 46 REAR AXLE - 248RBIBR/BE

CAUTION: If housing cover is not installed within 3
to 5 minutes, the cover must be cleaned and new
RTV applied or adhesion quality will be compro-
mised.
(11) Install the cover and tighten bolts in a criss-
cross pattern to 47 N´m (35 ft. lbs.).
(12) Fill the differential with Mopar Hypoid Gear
Lubricant or equivalent to bottom of the fill plug
hole.(13) Install fill hole plug and tighten to 34 N´m (25
ft. lbs.).
(14) Remove support and lower vehicle.
DIFFERENTIAL - TRAC-LOK
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TRAC-LOKT
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.
Fig. 33 DIFFERENTIAL CASE
1 - RAWHIDE HAMMER
Fig. 34 Bearing Cap Reference
1 - REFERENCE LETTERS
2 - REFERENCE LETTERS
Fig. 35 DIFFERENTIAL COVER - TYPICAL
1 - SEALANT SURFACE
2 - SEALANT
3 - SEALANT THICKNESS
BR/BEREAR AXLE - 248RBI 3 - 67
DIFFERENTIAL (Continued)

(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. 36).
(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. 37).
(2) Remove ring gear if the ring gear is to be
replaced. The Trac-loktdifferential can be serviced
with the ring gear installed.
(3) Remove pinion gear mate shaft roll pin.
(4) Remove pinion gear mate shaft with a drift and
hammer.
(5) Install and lubricate Step Plate C-6960-3 (Fig.
38).
Fig. 36 ROTATING TORQUE TEST
1 - SPECIAL TOOL WITH BOLT IN CENTER HOLE
2 - TORQUE WRENCH
Fig. 37 DIFFERENTIAL CASE FIXTURE
1 - HOLDING FIXTURE
2 - VISE
3 - DIFFERENTIAL
Fig. 38 Step Plate
1 - LOWER SIDE GEAR
2 - DIFFERENTIAL CASE
3 - STEP PLATE
3 - 68 REAR AXLE - 248RBIBR/BE
DIFFERENTIAL - TRAC-LOK (Continued)

REAR AXLE - 267RBI
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
REAR AXLE - 267RBI
DESCRIPTION.........................78
OPERATION...........................78
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AXLE..........80
REMOVAL.............................82
INSTALLATION.........................82
ADJUSTMENTS........................83
SPECIFICATIONS
REAR AXLE - 267RBI..................91
SPECIAL TOOLS
REAR AXLE - 267RBI..................91
AXLE SHAFTS
REMOVAL.............................94
INSTALLATION.........................94
AXLE BEARINGS
REMOVAL.............................94
INSTALLATION.........................94
PINION SEAL
REMOVAL.............................94INSTALLATION.........................95
DIFFERENTIAL
REMOVAL.............................96
DISASSEMBLY.........................97
ASSEMBLY............................97
INSTALLATION.........................97
DIFFERENTIAL - POWR-LOK
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWR-LOKT....99
DISASSEMBLY.........................99
ASSEMBLY............................99
DIFFERENTIAL CASE BEARINGS
REMOVAL............................102
INSTALLATION........................102
PINION GEAR/RING GEAR/TONE RING
REMOVAL............................103
INSTALLATION........................104
REAR AXLE - 267RBI
DESCRIPTION
The Rear Beam-design Iron (RBI) axle housings
consist of an iron center casting (differential housing)
with axle shaft tubes extending from either side. The
tubes are pressed into the differential housing and
welded. The axles are full-floating axle shafts, sup-
ported by the axle housing tubes. The full-float shafts
are retained by bolts attached to the hub.
The differential case for the standard differential is
a one-piece design. Differential bearing preload 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 a solid shims. The differential cover pro-
vides a means for inspection and service.
Axles equipped with a Powr-loktdifferential are
optional. The differential has a two-piece differentialcase. The differential contains four pinion gears and
a two-piece pinion mate cross shaft to provide
increased torque to the non-slipping wheel through a
ramping motion in addition to the standard Trac-lokt
components.
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
through the pinion mate and side gears. The side
gears are splined to the axle shafts.
3 - 78 REAR AXLE - 267RBIBR/BE

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 an axle lift under the axle and secure
it to the axle.
(3) Remove the wheels and tires.
(4) Remove RWAL sensor from the differential
housing, if necessary.
(5) Remove brake hose from the axle junction
block.
(6) Disconnect parking brake cables and cable
brackets.
(7) Remove vent hose from the axle shaft tube.(8) Mark propeller shaft and yoke for installation
alignment reference.
(9) Remove propeller shaft.
(10) Remove shock absorbers from the axle brack-
ets.
(11) Remove spring clamps and spring brackets.
(12) Remove axle from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Raise axle with lift and align to the leaf spring
centering bolts.
(2) Install spring clamps and spring brackets.
3 - 82 REAR AXLE - 267RBIBR/BE
REAR AXLE - 267RBI (Continued)

AXLE SHAFTS
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the axle shaft flange bolts.
(2) Slide the axle shaft out from the axle tube.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean the gasket contact surface area on the
flange with an appropriate solvent. Install a new
flange gasket and slide the axle shaft into the tube.
(2) Install the bolts and tighten to 129 N´m (95 ft.
lbs.).
AXLE BEARINGS
REMOVAL
(1) Remove wheel and tire assembly.
(2) Remove brake drum.
(3) Remove the axle shaft.
(4) Remove the lock wedge and adjustment nut.
Use Socket DD-1241±JD to remove the adjustment
nut.
(5) Remove the hub assembly. The outer axle bear-
ing will slide out as the hub is being removed.
(6) Remove inner grease seal and discard. Use
Installer 5064 and Handle C-4171 to drive grease
seal and inner axle bearing from the hub.
(7) Remove the bearing cups from the hub bore.
Use a brass drift, or an appropriate removal tool, to
tap out the cups.
INSTALLATION
(1) Thoroughly clean both axle bearings and inte-
rior of the hub with an appropriate cleaning solvent.
(2) Install bearing cups with Installer 8151 and
Handle C-4171.
(3)Pack inner and outer bearings with
Mopar wheel bearing grease or equivalent.
(4) Apply grease to inner and outer bearing cup
surfaces.
(5) Install inner axle bearing in the hub.
(6) Installnewgrease seal in hub with Installer
8149 and Handle C-4171.
(7) Inspect bearing and seal contact surfaces on
the axle tube for burrs/roughness. Remove all the
rough contact surfaces from the axle tube.
(8) Carefully slide the hub onto the axle.
CAUTION: Do not let grease seal contact axle tube
threads during installtion.
(9) Install outer axle bearing.
(10) Install hub bearing adjustment nut with
Socket DD-1241±JD.(11) Tighten adjustment nut to 163-190 N´m (120-
140 ft. lbs.) while rotating the wheel. Then loosen
adjustment nut 1/8 to 1/3 of-a-turn to provide 0.025-
0.250mm (0.001-0.009 in.) wheel bearing end play.
(12) Tap locking wedge into the spindle keyway
and adjustment nut.
NOTE: Located locking wedge in a new position in
the adjustment nut.
(13) Install axle shaft and brake drum.
(14) Install the wheel and tire assembly.
PINION SEAL
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Mark universal joint, pinion yoke and shaft for
installation reference.
(3) Disconnect the propeller shaft from the pinion
yoke.
(4) Remove the wheel and tire assemblies.
(5) Remove brake calipers to prevent any drag
that may cause a false bearing preload torque mea-
surement.
(6) Rotate pinion yoke three or four times.
(7) Record pinion gear rotating torque with an
inch pound torque wrench (Fig. 22).
Fig. 22 PINION ROTATING TORQUE
1 -TORQUE WRENCH
2 - PINION YOKE
3 - 94 REAR AXLE - 267RBIBR/BE

(13) Install the fill hole plug and tighten to 34 N´m
(25 ft. lbs.).
(14) Remove support and lower vehicle.
DIFFERENTIAL - POWR-LOK
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWR-LOKT
WARNING: WHEN SERVICING VEHICLES WITH A
POWR-LOKTDIFFERENTIAL DO NOT USE THE
ENGINE TO TURN THE AXLE AND WHEELS. BOTH
REAR WHEELS MUST BE RAISED AND THE VEHI-
CLE SUPPORTED. THE AXLE CAN EXERT ENOUGH
FORCE IF ONE WHEEL IS IN CONTACT WITH A
SURFACE TO CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO MOVE.
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 to wheel studs.(5) Use torque wrench on special tool to rotate
wheel and read rotating torque (Fig. 36).
(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 Powr-Loktdifferential 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: Pay close attention to the clutch pack
arrangement during this procedure. Note the direc-
tion of the concave and convex side of the plates
and discs.
(1) Mark the ring gear half and cover half for
installation reference (Fig. 37).
(2) Remove the case attaching bolts and remove
the button cover half (Fig. 38).
(3) Remove top clutch pack (Fig. 39).
(4) Remove top side gear clutch ring.
(5) Remove top side gear.
(6) Remove pinion mate gears and cross shafts.
(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 correct installation in
their original positions.
ASSEMBLY
The Powr-Loktdifferential 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.
Fig. 35 DIFFERENTIAL COVER - TYPICAL
1 - SEALANT SURFACE
2 - SEALANT
3 - SEALANT THICKNESS
Fig. 36 POWR-LOK TEST -TYPICAL
1 - SPECIAL TOOL
2 - TORQUE WRENCH
BR/BEREAR AXLE - 267RBI 3 - 99
DIFFERENTIAL (Continued)

REAR AXLE - 286RBI
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
REAR AXLE - 286RBI
DESCRIPTION........................107
OPERATION..........................108
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AXLE.........108
REMOVAL............................112
INSTALLATION........................112
ADJUSTMENTS.......................112
SPECIFICATIONS
REAR AXLE - 286RBI.................120
SPECIAL TOOLS
REAR AXLE - 286 RBI.................120
AXLE SHAFTS
REMOVAL............................123
INSTALLATION........................123
AXLE BEARINGS
REMOVAL............................123
INSTALLATION........................123
PINION SEAL
REMOVAL............................123INSTALLATION........................124
DIFFERENTIAL
REMOVAL............................125
DISASSEMBLY........................126
ASSEMBLY...........................126
INSTALLATION........................126
DIFFERENTIAL - TRAC-LOK
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TRAC-LOKT....128
DISASSEMBLY........................128
ASSEMBLY...........................129
DIFFERENTIAL CASE BEARINGS
REMOVAL............................129
INSTALLATION........................129
PINION GEAR/RING GEAR/TONE RING
REMOVAL............................131
INSTALLATION........................132
REAR AXLE - 286RBI
DESCRIPTION
The Rear Beam-design Iron (RBI) axle housings
consist of an iron center casting (differential housing)
with axle shaft tubes extending from either side. The
tubes are pressed into the differential housing and
welded. The axles are full-floating axle shafts, that
are supported by the axle housing tubes. The full-
float axle shafts are retained by bolts attached to the
hub.
The differential case for the standard differential is
a one-piece design. Differential bearing preload and
ring gear backlash are adjusted by the use of shims
located between the differential bearing cones andcase. Outboard protective spacers are located
between the differential bearing cup and housing.
Pinion bearing preload is set and maintained by the
use of shims. Pinion height is controlled by a shim
pack located under the inner pinion bearing cup. The
differential cover provides a means for inspection and
service.
Axles equipped with a Trac-Loktdifferential are
optional. The differential 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 addition to the standard differential compo-
nents. A Trac-loktdifferential for the has a two-piece
differential case.
BR/BEREAR AXLE - 286RBI 3 - 107