weight JEEP CHEROKEE 1995 Service Repair Manual

XJ FRONT SUSPENSION
INDEX
page page
Axle Bushing Replacement.................. 12
Coil Spring.............................. 14
Lower Suspension Arm..................... 13
Service Information........................ 11
Shock Absorber.......................... 13Spring and Shock Diagnosis................. 13
Stabilizer Bar............................ 11
Track Bar............................... 11
Upper Suspension Arm..................... 12
SERVICE INFORMATION
Periodic lubrication of the steering system and sus-
pension components is required. Refer to Group 0,
Lubrication And Maintenance for the service inter-
val.
CAUTION: Suspension components with rubber
bushings should be tightened with the vehicle at
normal height. It is important to have the springs
supporting the weight of the vehicle when the fas-
teners are torqued. If springs are not at their normal
ride position, vehicle ride comfort could be affected
and premature bushing wear may occur. Rubber
bushings must never be lubricated.
TRACK BAR
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the cotter pin and nut from the ball
stud end at the frame rail bracket (Fig. 1).
A puller tool may be necessary to separate the
ball stud from the frame rail bracket.
(3) Remove the bolt and flag nut from the axle
shaft tube bracket (Fig. 1). Remove the track bar.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the track bar at axle tube bracket.
Loosely install the retaining bolt and flag nut (Fig.
1).
(2) It may be necessary to pry the axle assembly
over to install the track bar at the frame rail. Install
track bar at the frame rail bracket. Install the re-
taining nut on the stud (Fig. 1).
(3) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
(4) Tighten the retaining bolt at the axle shaft
tube bracket to 100 Nzm (74 ft. lbs.) torque.
(5) Tighten the ball stud nut to 81 Nzm (60 ft. lbs.)
torque. Install a new cotter pin.
STABILIZER BAR
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Disconnect the stabilizer bar links from the
axle brackets (Fig. 2).
(3) Disconnect the stabilizer bar from the links.
(4) Disconnect the stabilizer bar clamps from the
frame rails. Remove the stabilizer bar.
INSTALLATION
(1) Inspect stabilizer bar bushings ( Fig. 2). Re-
place bushings if cracked, cut, distorted, or worn.
(2) Position the stabilizer bar on the frame rail and
install the bushings and clamps. Ensure the bar is
centered with equal spacing on both sides. Tighten
the bolts to 75 Nzm (40 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the links and grommets onto the stabi-
lizer bar and axle brackets (Fig. 2). Tighten the nut
at the connecting links at the axle bracket to 95 Nzm
(70 ft. lbs.) torque.
Fig. 1 Track Bar (LHD)
JFRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLE 2 - 11

YJ FRONT SUSPENSION
INDEX
page page
Leaf Spring.............................. 16
Leaf Spring Eye Bushing Replacement......... 17
Service Information........................ 15
Shock Absorber.......................... 16Spring and Shock Diagnosis................. 15
Stabilizer Bar............................ 15
Track Bar............................... 15
SERVICE INFORMATION
Periodic lubrication of the steering system and sus-
pension components is required. Refer to Group 0,
Lubrication And Maintenance for the service inter-
val.
CAUTION: Suspension components with rubber
bushings should be tightened with the vehicle at
normal height. It is important to have the springs
supporting the weight of the vehicle when the fas-
teners are torqued. If springs are not at their normal
ride position, vehicle ride comfort could be affected
and premature bushing wear may occur. Rubber
bushings must never be lubricated.
TRACK BAR
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the retaining nuts and bolts (Fig. 1)
from the axle bracket and frame bracket. Remove
track bar.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position track bar at axle shaft tube bracket.
Loosely install the retaining bolt and nut (Fig. 1).
(2) Loosely install the retaining bolt and nut at the
frame bracket.
(3) Remove support and lower vehicle.
(4) Tighten the retaining nut at the axle shaft tube
bracket to 100 Nzm (74 ft. lbs.) torque.
(5) Tighten the retaining nut at the frame bracket
to 142 Nzm (105 ft. lbs.) torque.
STABILIZER BAR
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the retaining nut from the connecting
link bolt (Fig. 2).
(3) Remove the retaining clamps from frame rails
(4) Remove the stabilizer bar.
INSTALLATION
(1) Inspect the stabilizer bar bushings (Fig. 2). Re-
place the bushings if cracked, cut, distorted, or worn.(2) Position the stabilizer bar on the frame. Install
the retaining brackets and fasteners. Tighten bolts to
41 Nzm (30 ft. lbs.) torque.
(3) Install the link upper bolts and nuts. Tighten
the nuts to 61 Nzm (45 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Tighten the link spring bracket nuts to 61 Nzm
(45 ft. lbs.) torque.
(5) Lower the vehicle.
SPRING AND SHOCK DIAGNOSIS
A squeak noise from the shock absorber or springs
can be produced if movement between the rubber
bushings and the metal occurs. This noise can usu-
ally be stopped by tightening the attaching nuts. If
the squeak noise persists, inspect for damaged and
worn bushings, and attaching components. Repair as
necessary if any of these conditions exist.
Fig. 1 Track Bar
JFRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLE 2 - 15

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 adjustable.
If a malfunction occurs, the shock absorber must be
replaced. To test a shock absorber, hold it in an up-
right position and force the piston into and out of the
cylinder four or five times. The action throughout
each stroke should be smooth and even.
SHOCK ABSORBER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the nut, retainer and grommet from the
upper stud on the frame bracket (Fig. 3).
(2) Raise and support the vehicle.
(3) Remove the nut, washers and bolt from the
shock absorber lower eye (Fig.3).
(4) Remove the shock absorber.
(5) Remove the remaining grommet and retainer
from the shock absorber stud.
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 the
nuts to 61 Nzm (45 ft. lbs.) torque.
(3) Install the upper grommet and retainer on the
stud on the frame bracket. Install the nut and tighten
to 12 Nzm (9 ft. lbs.) torque.
LEAF SPRING
REMOVAL
(1) Raise the vehicle.
(2) Support the vehicle with jack stands placed un-
der the frame.
(3) Position a hydraulic jack under the axle. Raise
the axle to relieve the axle weight from the springs.
(4) Remove the stabilizer bar links attaching nut.
(5) Remove the nuts, the U-bolts and spring
bracket from the axle.
(6) Remove the nut and bolt that attaches the
spring front eye to the shackle (Fig. 3).
(7) Remove the nut and bolt from the spring rear
eye.
(8) Remove the spring from the vehicle.
The spring can be disassembled by removing
the spring clips and the center bolt. If the
spring bushings require replacement, refer to
the bushing removal and installation proce-
dures.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the spring front eye in the shackle.
Loosely install the attaching bolt and nut. Do not
tighten at this time.
(2) Position the rear eye in the hanger bracket.
Loosely install the attaching bolt and nut (Fig. 3). Do
not tighten at this time.
(3) Position the axle. Install the spring bracket,
U-bolts and nuts (Fig. 3). Tighten the U-bolt nuts to
122 Nzm (90 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Attach the stabilizer bar links.
(5) Remove the hydraulic jack.
Fig. 2 Stabilizer BarFig. 3 Spring & Shock Absorber
2 - 16 FRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLEJ

AXLE NOISE/VIBRATION DIAGNOSIS
INDEX
page page
Driveline Snap........................... 19
Gear and Bearing Noise.................... 18
General Information....................... 18Low Speed Knock......................... 19
Vibration................................ 19
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 af-
ter 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.
2 - 18 FRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLEJ

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
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 out²Bent axle shaft
Check for loose or damaged front-end components
or engine/transmission mounts. These components
can 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 - 19

MODEL 30 AXLE AND TUBE AXLE (2WD)
INDEX
page page
Axle Bushing Replacement.................. 34
Axle ShaftÐCardan U-Joint.................. 26
Backlash and Contact Pattern Analysis......... 45
Cleaning/Inspection........................ 37
Differential and Pinion Measurement........... 40
Differential Assembly....................... 38
Differential Disassembly.................... 35
Differential Installation...................... 44
Differential Removal....................... 34
Differential Shim Pack Measurement and
Adjustment............................ 43
Drive Axle Assembly ReplacementÐXJ Vehicles . . 23
Drive Axle Assembly ReplacementÐYJ Vehicles . . 24Final Assembly........................... 46
Hub Bearing and Axle Shaft................. 25
Information.............................. 22
Inner Axle Shaft Oil Seal Replacement......... 35
Lubricant Change......................... 23
Lubricant Specifications..................... 22
Pinion Gear Assembly/Installation............. 42
Pinion Gear Depth Information............... 39
Pinion Removal/Disassembly................. 36
Pinion Seal Replacement................... 25
Steering Knuckle and Ball Studs.............. 32
Vacuum Disconnect AxleÐYJ Vehicles......... 27
INFORMATION
The Model 30 front axles consists of a cast iron dif-
ferential housing with axle shaft tubes extending
from either side. The tubes are pressed into the dif-
ferential housing and welded.
The integral type housing, hypoid gear design has
the centerline of the pinion set above the centerline
of the ring gear.
The axle has a fitting for a vent hose used to re-
lieve internal pressure caused by lubricant vaporiza-
tion and internal expansion.
The axles are equipped with semi-floating axle
shafts, meaning that loads are supported by the hub
bearings. The axle shafts are retained by nuts at the
hub bearings. The hub bearings are bolted to the
steering knuckle at the outboard end of the axle tube
yoke. The hub bearings are serviced as an assembly.
The axles are equipped with ABS brake sensors.
The sensors are attached to the knuckle assemblies
and tone rings are pressed on the axle shaft.Use
care when removing axle shafts as NOT to dam-
age the tone wheel or the sensor.
The stamped steel cover provides a means for in-
spection and servicing the differential.
The Model 30 axle has the assembly part number
and gear ratio listed on a tag. The tag is attached to
the housing cover. Build date identification codes are
stamped on the axle shaft tube cover side.
The differential case is a one-piece design. The dif-
ferential pinion mate shaft is retained with a roll
pin. Differential bearing preload and ring gear back-
lash is adjusted by the use of shims (select thick-
ness). The shims are located between the differential
bearing cones and case. Pinion bearing preload is set
and maintained by the use of collapsible spacer.
COMMAND-TRACÐYJ VEHICLES
The Command-Trac system is a vacuum disconnect
axle. The system has a two-piece axle shaft coupled
together by a shift collar. For two-wheel drive opera-
tion, the vacuum motor and shift fork disengages the
axle shaft splines. For four-wheel drive operation, the
vacuum motor and shift fork engages the axle
splines.
SELEC-TRACÐXJ VEHICLES
The Selec-Trac system is a non-disconnect axle.
Shifting from two-wheel to four-wheel drive is done
at the transfer case.
For XJ vehicles equipped withSelec-Tracand
ABS brake system, refer to Group 5ÐBrakes for ad-
ditional service information.
LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
Multi-purpose, hypoid gear lubricant should be
used for Model 30 axles. The lubricant should have
MIL-L-2105C and API GL 5 quality specifications.
MOPARtHypoid Gear Lubricant conforms to both of
these specifications.
²The factory fill for the Model 30 axle is SAE Ther-
mally Stable 80W-90 gear lubricant.Do not use
heavier weight lubricant, this will cause axle
engagement difficulties.
²The factory installed lubricant quantity for the
NON-DISCONNECT TYPE AXLE is 1.48 L (3.13
pts.).
²The factory installed lubricant quantity for the
VACUUM-DISCONNECT TYPE AXLE is 1.65 L (3.76
pts.).
Refer to Group 0, Lubrication and Maintenance for
additional information regarding temperature range,
viscosity and fluid level.
2 - 22 FRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLEJ

CAUTION: If axle is submerged in water, lubricant
must be replaced immediately to avoid possible
premature axle failure.
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 dif-
ferential 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
sealant must be removed and another bead ap-
plied.
(7) Install the cover and any identification tag.
Tighten the cover bolts in a criss-cross pattern to 41
Nzm (30 ft. lbs.) torque.
(8) Refill the differential with MOPARtHypoid
Gear Lubricant to bottom of the fill plug hole.
(9) Install the fill hole plug and lower the vehicle.
DRIVE AXLE ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENTÐXJ
VEHICLES
REMOVAL
(1) Raise the vehicle and position support stands
under the frame rails behind the lower suspension
arm frame brackets.
(2) Remove the front wheels.
(3) Remove the brake components and ABS brake
sensor (if equipped). Refer to Group 5ÐBrakes.
(4) On 4WD vehicles, disconnect the axle vent
hose.
(5) On 4WD vehicles, mark the drive shaft yoke
and axle pinion yoke for alignment reference. Discon-
nect the drive shaft from the axle.
(6) Disconnect the stabilizer bar link at the axle
bracket.
(7) Disconnect the shock absorbers from axle
bracket.
(8) Disconnect the track bar from the axle bracket.
(9) Disconnect the tie rod and drag link from the
steering knuckle. Disconnect the steering damper
from the axle bracket.
(10) Support the axle with a hydraulic jack under
the differential.
(11) Disconnect the upper and lower suspension
arms from the axle bracket.
(12) Lower the jack enough to remove the axle.
The coil springs will drop with the axle.
(13) Remove the coil springs from the axle bracket.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Suspension components with rubber
bushings should be tightened with the vehicle at
normal height. It is important to have the springs
supporting the weight of the vehicle when the fas-
teners are torqued. If springs are not at their normal
ride position, vehicle ride comfort could be affected
and premature bushing wear may occur. Rubber
bushings must never be lubricated.
(1) Install the springs and retainer clip. Tighten
the retainer bolts to 21 Nzm (16 ft. lbs.) torque.
(2) Support the axle on a hydraulic jack under the
differential. Position the axle under the vehicle.
(3) Raise the axle with a floor jack and align it
with the spring pads.
(4) Position the upper and lower suspension arm at
the axle bracket. Install bolts and nuts finger
tighten.
(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 springs are not at their usual posi-
tion, vehicle ride comfort could be affected.
Fig. 1 Typical Housing Cover With Sealant
JFRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLE 2 - 23

(6) Install the shock absorber and tighten the bolt
to 23 Nzm (17 ft. lbs.) torque.
(7) Install the stabilizer bar link to the axle
bracket. Tighten the nut to 95 Nzm (70 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(8) Install the drag link and tie rod to the steering
knuckles and tighten the nuts to 47 Nzm (35 ft. lbs.)
torque. Install the steering damper to the axle
bracket and tighten the nut to 75 Nzm (55 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(9) Install the brake components and ABS brake
sensor (if equipped). Refer to Group 5ÐBrakes.
(10) On 4WD vehicles, connect the vent hose to the
tube fitting.
(11) On 4WD vehicles, 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 upper suspension arm nuts to 75
Nzm (55 ft. lbs.) torque. Tighten the lower suspension
arm nuts to 115 Nzm (85 ft. lbs.) torque.
(16) Tighten the track bar bolt at the axle bracket
to 100 Nzm (74 ft. lbs.) torque.
(17) Check the front wheel alignment.
DRIVE AXLE ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENTÐYJ
VEHICLES
REMOVAL
(1) Raise the vehicle and position support stands
under the frame rails behind the spring frame brack-
ets.
(2) Remove the front wheels.
(3) Remove the brake components and ABS brake
sensor (if equipped). Refer to Group 5ÐBrakes.
(4) Disconnect the axle vent hose and axle shift
motor vacuum harness.
(5) Mark the drive shaft yoke and axle pinion yoke
for alignment reference. Disconnect the drive shaft
from the axle.
(6) Disconnect the stabilizer bar link at the axle
bracket.
(7) Disconnect the shock absorbers from axle
bracket.
(8) Disconnect the track bar from the axle bracket.
(9) Disconnect the tie rod from the steering
knuckle. Disconnect the steering damper 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: Suspension components with rubber
bushings should be tightened with the vehicle at
normal height. It is important to have the springs
supporting the weight of the vehicle when the fas-
teners are torqued. If springs are not at their normal
ride position, vehicle ride comfort could be affected
and premature bushing wear may occur. Rubber
bushings must never be lubricated.
(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 springs are not at their usual posi-
tion, 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 damper 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.
(15) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
(16) 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.
2 - 24 FRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLEJ

XJ SUSPENSION
INDEX
page page
Leaf Spring............................... 4
Leaf Spring Eye Bushing Replacement.......... 5
Shock Absorber........................... 4Spring and Shock Diagnosis.................. 3
Stabilizer Bar............................. 5
SPRING AND SHOCK DIAGNOSIS
A noise from the shock absorber or spring bushings
can be produced if movement between the rubber
bushings and the metal occurs. This noise can usu-
ally be stopped by tightening the nuts. If the noise
persists, inspect for damaged and worn bushings. Re-
pair as necessary.
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.
The spring eye and shock absorber bushings do not
require any type of lubrication.Do not attempt to
stop spring bushing noise by lubricating them.Grease and mineral oil-base lubricants will de-
teriorate the bushing rubber.
If the vehicle is used for severe, off-road operation,
the springs should be examined regularly. Check for
broken and shifted components.
CAUTION: Suspension components with rubber
bushings should be tightened with the vehicle at
normal height. It is important to have the springs
supporting the weight of the vehicle when the fas-
teners are torqued. If springs are not at their normal
ride position, vehicle ride comfort could be affected
and premature bushing wear may occur. Rubber
bushings must never be lubricated.
SPRING AND SHOCK ABSORBER DIAGNOSIS
JREAR SUSPENSION AND AXLES 3 - 3

SHOCK ABSORBER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the shock absorber upper bolts from the
frame bracket (Fig. 1).
(2) Remove the lower attaching nut and washer
from the bracket stud. Remove the shock absorber.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the shock absorber lower eye on the
spring bracket stud. Install the shock absorber and
upper bolts on the frame bracket (Fig. 1).
(2) Tighten the lower nut to 62 Nzm (46 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(3) Tighten the upper bolts to 23 Nzm (17 ft. lbs.)
torque.
LEAF SPRING
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle at frame.
(2) Remove the wheel and tire assemblies.
(3) Support axle with hydraulic jack to relieve axle
weight.
(4) Disconnect the shock absorber from the axle
bracket or the spring bracket (Fig. 1).
(5) Disconnect the stabilizer bar link from the
spring bracket stud.(6) Remove nuts, U-bolts and spring bracket from
axle (Fig. 1).
(7) Remove nut and bolt attaching spring front eye
to shackle (Fig. 1).
(8) Remove nut and bolt from spring rear eye (Fig.
1).
(9) Remove spring from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the spring front eye in the bracket.
Loosely install the attaching bolt and nut (Fig. 1). Do
not tighten at this time.
(2) Position the rear eye in the shackle bracket.
Loosely install the attaching bolt and nut (Fig. 1). Do
not tighten at this time.
(3) Position the axle. Install the spring bracket,
U-bolts and nuts (Fig. 1). Tighten the nuts to 70 Nzm
(52 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Connect the stabilizer bar link to the spring
bracket.
(5) Connect the shock absorber to the axle bracket
or spring bracket.
(6) Remove the hydraulic jack.
(7) Lower the vehicle.
(8) Tighten the spring front eye attaching bolts to
148 Nzm (109 ft. lbs.) torque.
(9) Tighten the spring rear eye attaching bolts to
108 Nzm (80 ft. lbs.) torque.
Fig. 1 Spring & Shock AbsorberÐXJ Vehicles
3 - 4 REAR SUSPENSION AND AXLESJ