Differential Bearing Preload Adjustment

DIFFERENTIAL BEARING PRELOAD ADJUSTMENT


NOTE: True bearing turning-torque readings can be obtained only with the geartrain removed from the case.

1. Remove bearing cup and existing shim from clutch bellhousing case.
2. Press in new bearing cup into bellhousing case (or use a cup that has been ground down on the outer edge for ease of measurement).
3. Press in new bearing cup into gear case side.
4. Oil differential bearings with transmission fluid. Install differential assembly in transaxle gear case. Install clutch bellhousing over gear case. Install and tighten case bolts to 29 Nm (257 in. lbs.).
5. Position transaxle with bellhousing facing down on workbench with C-clamps. Position dial indicator.

NOTE: The dial indicator should be parallel to T-Handle to obtain the most accurate reading.

6. Apply a medium load to differential with Torque Tool C-4995 - A (3) and a T-handle, in the downward direction. Roll differential assembly back and forth a number of times. This will settle the bearings. Zero the dial indicator (2). To obtain end play readings, apply a medium load in an upward direction while rolling differential assembly back and forth. Record end play.
7. The shim required for proper bearing preload is the total of end play, plus (constant) preload of 0.18mm (0.007 in.). Never combine shims to obtain the required preload.
8. Remove case bolts. Remove clutch bellhousing differential bearing cup. Install shim(s) selected, then press the bearing cup into clutch bellhousing.
9. Install clutch bellhousing. Install and tighten case bolts to 29 Nm (257 in. lbs.).
10. Using Torque Tool C-4995 A (2) and an inch-pound torque wrench (1), check turning torque of the differential assembly. The turning torque should be 1 to 2.5 Nm (9 to 22 in. lbs.) If the turning torque is too high, install a 0.05 mm (0.002 inch) thinner shim. If the turning torque is too low, install a 0.05 mm (0.002 inch) thicker shim.
11. Recheck turning torque (1). Repeat until the proper turning torque is obtained.
12. Once proper turning torque has been established for the differential separate case halves, install output shaft # 2 assembly into case with the differential and recheck differential turning torque. The turning torque should be 4.1 to 5.9 Nm (37 to 52 in. lbs.) If the turning torque is too high, install a 0.05 mm (0.002 inch) thinner shim. If the turning torque is too low, install a 0.05 mm (0.002 inch) thicker shim.
13. Recheck total turning torque (1). Repeat until the proper turning torque is obtained.

Once proper turning torque has been established, place gear case on the end plate. Draw a bead of MOPAR(R) Gasket Maker, Loctite(R) 518, or equivalent, on the flat surface of the case mating flange. Install clutch bellhousing onto gear case. Install and tighten case bolts to 29 Nm (257 in. lbs.).





14. Install axle seal (case side) on Seal Installer 9928 and Handle C-4171 and insert into axle shaft seal bore.
15. Tap seal into position until seated against transaxle case.





16. Install axle seal (bellhousing side) on Seal Installer 9928 and Handle C-4171 and insert into axle shaft seal bore.
17. Tap seal into position until seated against transaxle case.