Jeep Cherokee

 Service Manual

Differential and driveline » 8 1/4 Rear axle » Removal and installation
Differential

REMOVAL

(1) Remove the axle shafts.

NOTE: Side play resulting from bearing races being loose on case hubs requires replacement of the differential case.

(2) Mark the differential housing and the differential bearing caps for installation reference (Fig. 17).

Fig. 17 Mark For Installation Reference

1 - INSTALLATION REFERENCE MARKS
2 - INSTALLATION REFERENCE MARKS
3 - DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING
4 - BEARING CAP

(3) Remove bearing threaded adjuster lock from each bearing cap. Loosen the bolts, but do not remove the bearing caps.

(4) Loosen the threaded adjusters with Wrench C-4164 (Fig. 18).

Fig. 18 Threaded Adjuster Tool

1 - AXLE TUBE
2 - BACKING PLATE
3 - TOOL C-4164

(5) Hold the differential case while removing bearing caps and adjusters.

(6) Remove the differential case.

NOTE: Each differential bearing cup and threaded adjuster must be kept with their respective bearing.

INSTALLATION

(1) Apply a coating of hypoid gear lubricant to the differential bearings, bearing cups, and threaded adjusters. A dab of grease can be used to keep the adjusters in position. Carefully position the assembled differential case in the housing.

(2) Observe the reference marks and install the differential bearing caps at their original locations (Fig. 19).

Fig. 19 Bearing Caps & Bolts

1 - INSTALLATION REFERENCE MARKS
2 - INSTALLATION REFERENCE MARKS
3 - DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING
4 - BEARING CAP

(3) Install bearing cap bolts and tighten the upper bolts to 14 N·m (10 ft. lbs.). Tighten the lower bolts finger-tight until the bolt head is seated.

(4) Perform the differential bearing preload and adjustment procedure.

NOTE: Be sure that all bearing cap bolts are tightened to the final torque of 95 N·m (70 ft.lbs) before proceeding.

(5) Install axle shafts and differential housing cover.

Rear axle

Axle shaft

Axle seal and bearing

Pinion seal

Differential

Differential side bearings

Ring gear

Pinion gear