Jeep Cherokee
Service Manual
Differential and driveline » Propeller shafts » Diagnosis and testing
Runout

Remove dirt, rust, paint, and undercoating from the propeller shaft surface where the dial indicator will contact the shaft.
The dial indicator must be installed perpendicular to the shaft surface.
Measure runout at the center and ends of the shaft sufficiently far away from weld areas to ensure that the effects of the weld process will not enter into the measurements.
Refer to Runout Specifications chart.
If the propeller shaft runout is out of specification, remove the propeller shaft, index the shaft 180, and re-install the propeller shaft. Measure shaft runout again.
If the propeller shaft runout is now within specifications, mark the shaft and yokes for proper orientation.
If the propeller shaft runout is not within specifications, verify that the runout of the transmission/ transfer case and axle are within specifications. Correct as necessary and re-measure propeller shaft runout.
Replace the propeller shaft if the runout still exceeds the limits.

RUNOUT SPECIFICATIONS

Front of Shaft	0.020 in. (0.50 mm)
Center of Shaft	0.025 in. (0.63 mm)
Rear of Shaft	0.020 in. (0.50 m
Measure front/rear runout approximately 3 inches (76 mm) from the weld seam at each end of the shaft tube for tube lengths over 30 inches. For tube lengths under 30 inches, the maximum allowed runout is 0.020 in. (0.50 mm) for the full length of the tube.

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