Jeep Cherokee

 Service Manual

Differential and driveline » 8 1/4 Rear axle » Cleaning and inspection
8 1/4 Axle

Wash differential components with cleaning solvent and dry with dry compressed air. Do not steam clean the differential components.

Wash bearings with solvent and towel dry, or dry with compressed air. DO NOT spin bearings with compressed air. Cup and bearing must be replaced as matched sets only.

Be sure that the axle tubes and oil channels are thoroughly cleaned in the housing.

Inspect for:

•  Smooth appearance with no broken/dented surfaces on the bearing rollers or the roller contact surfaces.
•  Bearing cups must not be distorted or cracked.
•  Machined surfaces should be smooth and without any raised edges.
•  Raised metal on shoulders of cup bores should be removed with a hand stone.
•  Wear and damage to pinion mate shaft, pinions, side gears and thrust washers. Replace as a matched set only.
•  Ring gear and pinion for worn and chipped teeth.
•  Ring gear for damaged bolt threads. Replaced as a matched set only.
•  Pinion yoke for cracks, worn splines, pitted areas, and a rough/corroded seal contact surface. Repair or replace as necessary.
•  Pinion depth shims for damage and distortion. Install new shims if necessary.
•  The differential case. Replace the case if cracked or damaged.
•  The axle shaft C-locks for cracks and excessive wear. Replace them if necessary.
•  Each threaded adjuster to determine if it rotates freely. If an adjuster binds, repair the damaged threads or replace the adjuster.

Polish each axle shaft sealing surface with No. 600 crocus cloth. This can remove slight surface damage.

Do not reduce the diameter of the axle shaft seal contact surface. When polishing, the crocus cloth should be moved around the circumference of the shaft (not in-line with the shaft).

8 1/4 Axle

Trac-lok