speed JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 2003 WJ / 2.G Workshop Manual

GROUP TAB LOCATOR
Introduction
0Lubrication & Maintenance
2Suspension
3Driveline
5Brakes
7Cooling
8AAudio
8BChime/Buzzer
8EElectronic Control Modules
8FEngine Systems
8GHeated Systems
8HHorn
8IIgnition Control
8JInstrument Cluster
8LLamps
8MMessage Systems
8NPower Systems
8ORestraints
8PSpeed Control
8QVehicle Theft Security
8RWipers/Washers
8WWiring
9Engine
11Exhaust System
13Frame & Bumpers
14Fuel System
19Steering
21Transaxle
22Tires/Wheels
23Body
24Heating & Air Conditioning
25Emissions Control
Service Manual Comment Forms (Rear of Manual)

²Do not allow towing equipment to contact the
disabled vehicle's fuel tank.
²Do not allow anyone under the disabled vehicle
while it is lifted by the towing device.
²Do not allow passengers to ride in a vehicle
being towed.
²Always observe state and local laws regarding
towing regulations.
²Do not tow a vehicle in a manner that could
jeopardize the safety of the operator, pedestrians or
other motorists.
²Do not attach tow chains, T-hooks, or J-hooks to
a bumper, steering linkage, drive shafts or a non-re-
inforced frame hole.
²Do not tow a heavily loaded vehicle. Use a flat-
bed device to transport a loaded vehicle.
TWO-WHEEL-DRIVE VEHICLE TOWING
DaimlerChrysler Corporation recommends that a
vehicle be towed with the rear end lifted, whenever
possible.
WARNING: WHEN TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
AND THE DRIVE WHEELS ARE SECURED IN A
WHEEL LIFT OR TOW DOLLIES, ENSURE THE
TRANSMISSION IS IN THE PARK POSITION (AUTO-
MATIC TRANSMISSION) OR A FORWARD DRIVE
GEAR (MANUAL TRANSMISSION).
WARNING: ENSURE VEHICLE IS ON A LEVEL SUR-
FACE OR THE WHEELS ARE BLOCKED TO PRE-
VENT VEHICLE FROM ROLLING.
TWO WHEEL DRIVE TOWING-REAR END LIFTED
CAUTION: Do not use steering column lock to
secure steering wheel during towing operation.
2WD vehicles can be towed with the front wheels
on the surface for extended distances at speeds not
exceeding 48 km/h (30 mph).
(1) Attach wheel lift device to rear wheels.
(2) Place the transmission in neutral.
(3) Raise vehicle to towing position.
(4) Attach safety chains. Route chains so not to
interfere with tail pipe when vehicle is lifted.
(5) Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position to
unlock the steering wheel.
CAUTION: Do not use steering column lock to
secure steering wheel during towing operation.
(6) Secure steering wheel in straight ahead posi-
tion with a clamp device designed for towing.
(7) Place transmission in park.
TWO WHEEL DRIVE TOWING-FRONT END LIFTED
CAUTION: Many vehicles are equipped with air
dams, spoilers, and/or ground effect panels. To
avoid component damage, a wheel-lift towing vehi-
cle or a flat-bed hauling vehicle is recommended.
(1) Attach wheel lift device to rear wheels.
(2) Place the transmission in neutral.
(3) Raise the rear of the vehicle off the ground and
install tow dollies under rear wheels.
(4) Attach wheel lift device to front wheels and
raise vehicle to towing position.
(5) Attach the safety chains.
CAUTION: Do not use steering column lock to
secure steering wheel during towing operation.
(6) Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position to
unlock the steering wheel.
(7) Secure steering wheel in straight ahead posi-
tion with a clamp device designed for towing.
(8) Place transmission in park.
FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE VEHICLE TOWING
DaimlerChrysler Corporation recommends that a
4WD vehicle be transported on a flat-bed device. A
Wheel-lift device can be used providedthe trailing
wheels are off the ground and positioned in
tow dollies.
WARNING: WHEN TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
AND THE DRIVE WHEELS ARE SECURED IN A
WHEEL LIFT OR TOW DOLLIES, ENSURE THE
TRANSMISSION IS IN THE PARK POSITION.
CAUTION: Many vehicles are equipped with air
dams, spoilers, and/or ground effect panels. To
avoid component damage, a wheel-lift towing vehi-
cle or a flat-bed hauling vehicle is recommended.
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE TOWINGÐREAR END LIFTED
WARNING: ENSURE VEHICLE IS ON A LEVEL SUR-
FACE OR THE WHEELS ARE BLOCKED TO PRE-
VENT VEHICLE FROM ROLLING.
(1) Attach wheel lift device to front wheels.
(2) Place the transmission in neutral.
(3) Raise the front of the vehicle off the ground
and install tow dollies under front wheels.
(4) Attach wheel lift device to rear wheels and
raise vehicle to towing position.
(5) Attach safety chains. Route chains so not to
interfere with tail pipe when vehicle is lifted.
WJLUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE 0 - 9
TOWING (Continued)

BUSHINGS
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the upper suspension arm from axle.
(2) Position Spacer 8279 over the axle bushing on
a 4x2 vehicle and right side on a 4x4 vehicle.
(3) Place Receiver 7932-1 over flanged end of the
bushing. (Fig. 2).
(4) Place small end of Remover/Install 7932-2
against other side of the bushing.
(5) Install bolt 7604 through remover, bushing and
receiver.
(6) Install Long Nut 7603 and tighten nut too pull
bushing out of the axle bracket.
(7) Remove nut, bolt, receiver, remover and bush-
ing.
NOTE: On 4x2 vehicle and right side of 4x4 vehicle,
leave Spacer 8279 in position for bushing installa-
tion.
INSTALLATION
(1) Place Receiver 7932-1on the other side of the
axle bracket.
(2) Position new bushing up to the axle bracket.,
and large end of Remover/Install 7932-2 against the
bushing (Fig. 3).
(3) Install bolt 7604 through receiver, bushing and
installer.
(4) Install Long Nut 7603 and tighten nut to draw
the bushing into the axle bracket.(5) Remove tools and install the upper suspension
arm.
HUB / BEARING
DESCRIPTION
The bearing used on the front hub of this vehicle is
the combined hub and bearing unit type assembly.
This unit assembly combines the front wheel mount-
ing hub (flange) and the front wheel bearing into a
one piece unit. The wheel mounting studs are the
only replaceable component of the hub/bearing
assembly.
OPERATION
The hub/bearing assembly is mounted to the steer-
ing knuckle and is retained by three mounting bolts
accessible from the back of the steering knuckle. The
hub/bearing unit is not serviceable and must be
replaced as an assembly if the bearing or the hub is
determined to be defective.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
(3) Remove the brake caliper, caliper anchor, rotor
and ABS wheel speed sensor,(Refer to 5 - BRAKES/
ELECTRICAL/FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR -
REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the cotter pin, nut retainer and axle
hub nut.
(5) Remove the hub bearing mounting bolts from
the back of the steering knuckle. Remove hub bear-
Fig. 2 Bushing Removal
1 - RECEIVER
2 - AXLE BRACKET
3 - BOLT
4 - REMOVER/INSTALLER
5 - LONG NUT
Fig. 3 Bushing Installation
1 - REMOVER/INSTALLER
2 - AXLE BRACKET
3 - BOLT
4 - RECEIVER
5 - LONG NUT
WJFRONT 2 - 9

ing (Fig. 4) from the steering knuckle and off the
axle shaft.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the hub bearing to the knuckle.
(2) Install the hub bearing to knuckle bolts and
tighten to 102 N´m (75 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the hub washer and nut. Tighten the
hub nut to 237 N´m (175 ft. lbs.). Install the nut
retainer and a new cotter pin.
(4) Install the brake rotor, caliper anchor, caliper
and ABS wheel speed sensor,(Refer to 5 - BRAKES/
ELECTRICAL/FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR -
INSTALLATION).
(5) Install the wheel and tire assembly (Refer to 22
- TIRES/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(6) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
KNUCKLE
DESCRIPTION
The knuckle is a single casting with legs machined
for the upper and lower ball joints. The knuckle also
has machined mounting locations for the front brake
calipers and hub bearing.
OPERATION
The steering knuckle pivot between the upper and
lower ball joint. Steering linkage attached to the
knuckle allows the vehicle to be steered.
REMOVAL - STEERING KNUCKLE
Ball stud service procedures below require removal
of the hub bearing and axle shaft. Removal andinstallation of upper and lower ball studs require the
use of Tool Kit 6289.
(1) Remove hub bearing and axle shaft.
(2) Disconnect the tie-rod or drag link from the
steering knuckle arm,(Refer to 19 - STEERING/
LINKAGE/TIE ROD END - REMOVAL) .
(3) Remove the cotter pins from the upper and
lower ball studs.
(4) Remove the upper and lower ball stud nuts.
(5) Strike the steering knuckle with a brass ham-
mer to loosen knuckle from the ball studs. Remove
knuckle from ball studs (Fig. 5).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the steering knuckle on the ball studs.
(2) Install and tighten the bottom retaining nut to
109 N´m (80 ft. lbs.) torque. Install new cotter pin.
(3) Install and tighten the top retaining nut to 101
N´m (75 ft. lbs.) torque. Install new cotter pin.
(4) Install the hub bearing and axle shaft.
(5) Connect the tie-rod or drag link end to the
steering knuckle arm.,(Refer to 19 - STEERING/
LINKAGE/TIE ROD END - INSTALLATION) .
Fig. 4 Hub Bearing & Knuckle
1 - HUB BEARING
2 - KNUCKLE
Fig. 5 Steering Knuckle Removal/Installation
1 - AXLE YOKE
2 - UPPER BALL STUD
3 - LOWER BALL STUD
4 - STEERING KNUCKLE
2 - 10 FRONTWJ
HUB / BEARING (Continued)

DIFFERENTIAL & DRIVELINE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
PROPELLER SHAFT......................1
FRONT TUBE AXLE......................14
FRONT AXLE - 186FBI....................15REAR AXLE - 198RBI.....................50
REAR AXLE - 226RBA....................90
PROPELLER SHAFT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
PROPELLER SHAFT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING................1
STANDARD PROCEDURES................3
SPECIFICATIONS........................5
SPECIAL TOOLS........................5
PROPELLER SHAFT - FRONT
REMOVAL.............................6
INSTALLATION..........................6
PROPELLER SHAFT - FRONT 4.7L
REMOVAL.............................6INSTALLATION..........................7
PROPELLER SHAFT - REAR
REMOVAL.............................7
INSTALLATION..........................7
SINGLE CARDAN UNIVERSAL JOINTS
DISASSEMBLY..........................8
ASSEMBLY.............................9
DOUBLE CARDAN UNIVERSAL JOINTS
DISASSEMBLY..........................9
ASSEMBLY............................10
PROPELLER SHAFT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
VIBRATION
Tires that are out-of-round, or wheels that are
unbalanced, will cause a low frequency vibration.
(Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING)
Brake rotors that are unbalanced will cause a
harsh, low frequency vibration. (Refer to 5 - BRAKES
- DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING)Driveline vibration can also result from loose or
damaged engine mounts.
Propeller shaft vibration increases as the vehicle
speed is increased. A vibration that occurs within a
specific speed range is not usually caused by a pro-
peller shaft being unbalanced. Defective universal
joints, or an incorrect propeller shaft angle, are usu-
ally the cause of such a vibration.
WJDIFFERENTIAL & DRIVELINE 3 - 1

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 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 pro-
peller shaft is bent, it must be replaced.
(4) Inspect the universal joints to ensure that they
are not worn, are properly installed, and are cor-
rectly 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).
Fig. 1 CLAMP SCREW - POSITION 1
1 - CLAMP
2 - SCREWDRIVER
3 - 2 PROPELLER SHAFTWJ
PROPELLER SHAFT (Continued)

FRONT TUBE AXLE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
FRONT TUBE AXLE
REMOVAL.............................14INSTALLATION.........................14
FRONT TUBE AXLE
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Position a lifting device under the axle and
secure axle to lift.
(3) Remove the wheels and tires.
(4) Remove the brake rotors (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/
HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS - REMOVAL)
and calipers.
(5) Disconnect wheel sensor wiring harness from
the vehicle wiring harness.
(6) Remove stabilizer bar links at the axle.
(7) Remove shock absorbers from axle brackets.
(8) Removet track bar.
(9) Remove tie rod and drag link from the steering
knuckle.
(10) Remove steering damper from the axle
bracket.
(11) Remove upper and lower suspension arms
from the axle brackets.
(12) Lower the lift enough to remove the axle. The
coil springs will drop with the axle.
(13) Remove the coil springs from the axle.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: The weight of the vehicle must be sup-
ported by the springs before suspension arms and
track bar fasteners are tightened. If not at their nor-mal ride position, ride height and handling could be
affected.
(1) Install springs and retainer clips and tighten
retainer bolts to 21 N´m (16 ft. lbs.).
(2) Lift and position axle under the vehicle and
align it with the spring pads.
(3) Position upper and lower suspension arms in
the axle brackets and loosely install bolts and nuts.
(4) Install track bar to the axle bracket and loosely
install bolt.
(5) Install shock absorbers and tighten bolts to 23
N´m (17 ft. lbs.).
(6) Install stabilizer bar links to the axle brackets
and tighten nuts to 95 N´m (70 ft. lbs.).
(7) Install drag link and tie rod to the steering
knuckles.
(8) Install steering damper to the axle bracket and
tighten nut to 75 N´m (55 ft. lbs.).
(9) Install the brake rotors and calipers.
(10) Connect wheel speed sensor wiring harness, if
equipped.
(11) Install the wheel and tire assemblies.
(12) Remove lift from the axle and lower the vehi-
cle.
(13) Tighten upper suspension arm nuts to 75 N´m
(55 ft. lbs.). Tighten lower suspension arm nuts to
115 N´m (85 ft. lbs.).
(14) Tighten track bar bolt at the axle bracket to
100 N´m (74 ft. lbs.).
(15) Check the front wheel alignment.
3 - 14 FRONT TUBE AXLEWJ

FRONT AXLE - 186FBI
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
FRONT AXLE - 186FBI
DESCRIPTION.........................15
OPERATION...........................15
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING................16
REMOVAL.............................20
INSTALLATION.........................21
ADJUSTMENTS........................21
SPECIFICATIONS.......................30
SPECIAL TOOLS.......................31
AXLE SHAFTS
REMOVAL.............................34
INSTALLATION.........................34
AXLE SHAFT SEALS
REMOVAL.............................35
INSTALLATION.........................35
AXLE - C/V JOINT
REMOVAL.............................35
INSTALLATION.........................35
AXLE - U-JOINT
REMOVAL.............................36INSTALLATION.........................37
PINION SEAL
REMOVAL.............................37
INSTALLATION.........................37
COLLAPSIBLE SPACER
REMOVAL.............................39
INSTALLATION.........................39
DIFFERENTIAL
REMOVAL.............................40
DISASSEMBLY.........................42
ASSEMBLY............................42
INSTALLATION.........................43
DIFFERENTIAL CASE BEARINGS
REMOVAL.............................44
INSTALLATION.........................44
PINION GEAR/RING GEAR
REMOVAL.............................45
INSTALLATION.........................46
FRONT AXLE - 186FBI
DESCRIPTION
The Front Beam-design Iron (FBI) axle consists of
a cast iron differential housing with axle shaft tubes
extending from either side. The tubes are pressed
into the differential housing and welded. The axles
are semi-floating axle shafts, meaning the loads are
supported by the hub bearings. The axle shafts are
retained by nuts at the hub bearings.
The differential case is a one-piece design. Differ-
ential bearing preload and ring gear backlash is
adjusted by the use of shims located between the dif-
ferential bearing cups and housing. Pinion bearing
preload is set and maintained by the use of a collaps-
ible spacer. A differential cover provides a means for
inspection and servicing.
An optional Vari-Loktdifferential has a one-piece
differential case which contains the gerotor pump
assembly and the clutch mechinism. This unit is ser-
viced as an assembly.
OPERATION
The axle receives power from the transfer case
through the front propeller shaft. The front propeller
shaft is connected to the pinion gear which rotatesthe 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.
STANDARD DIFFERENTIAL
During straight-ahead driving, the differential pinion
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 pin-
ion 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.
WJFRONT AXLE - 186FBI 3 - 15

VARI-LOKTDIFFERENTIAL
In a standard differential if one wheel spins, the
opposite wheel will generate only as much torque as
the spinning wheel.
A gerotor pump and clutch pack are used to pro-
vide the torque transfer capability. One axle shaft is
splined to the gerotor pump and one of the differen-
tial side gears, which provides the input to the pump.
As a wheel begins to lose traction, the speed differ-
ential is transmitted from one side of the differential
to the other through the side gears. The motion of
one side gear relative to the other turns the inner
rotor of the pump. Since the outer rotor of the pump
is grounded to the differential case, the inner and
outer rotors are now moving relative to each other
and therefore creates pressure in the pump. The tun-ing of the front and rear axle orifices and valves
inside the gerotor pump is unique and each system
includes a torque-limiting pressure relief valve to
protect the clutch pack, which also facilitates vehicle
control under extreme side-to-side traction varia-
tions. The resulting pressure is applied to the clutch
pack and the transfer of torque is completed.
Under conditions in which opposite wheels are on
surfaces with widely different friction characteristics,
Vari-loktdelivers far more torque to the wheel on
the higher traction surface than do conventional
Trac-loktsystems. Because conventional Trac-lokt
differentials are initially pre-loaded to assure torque
transfer, normal driving (where inner and outer
wheel speeds differ during cornering, etc.) produces
torque transfer during even slight side-to-side speed
variations. Since these devices rely on friction from
this preload to transfer torque, normal use tends to
cause wear that reduces the ability of the differential
to transfer torque over time. By design, the Vari-lokt
system is less subject to wear, remaining more con-
sistent over time in its ability to transfer torque. The
coupling assembly is serviced as a unit. From a ser-
vice standpoint the coupling also benefits from using
the same lubricant supply as the ring and pinion
gears.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
GEAR NOISE
Axle gear noise can be caused by insufficient lubri-
cant, incorrect backlash, 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 mate shaft can also cause a
snapping or a knocking noise.
Fig. 1 DIFFERENTIAL-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-ON TURNS
1 - PINION GEARS ROTATE ON PINION SHAFT
3 - 16 FRONT AXLE - 186FBIWJ
FRONT AXLE - 186FBI (Continued)

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 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 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 rear-end
vibration. Do not overlook engine accessories, brack-
ets 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.
WJFRONT AXLE - 186FBI 3 - 17
FRONT AXLE - 186FBI (Continued)