Jeep Cherokee 2000 Service Manual - page 169
cedure described above. Continue to tighten the
right-side adjuster and seat bearing cups until the
torque remains constant at 102 N·m (75 ft. lbs.)
(7) Measure the ring gear backlash. The range of
backlash is 0.006 to 0.008 inch (0.15 to 0.203 mm).
(8) Continue increasing the torque at the right-
side threaded adjuster until the specified backlash is
obtained.
NOTE: The
left-side
threaded
adjuster
torque
should have approximately 102 N·m (75 ft. lbs.). If
the torque is considerably less, the complete
adjustment procedure must be repeated.
(9) Tighten the left-side threaded adjuster until
102 N·m (75 ft. lbs.) torque is indicated. Seat the
bearing rollers with the procedure described above.
Do this until the torque remains constant.
(10) Install
the
threaded
adjuster
locks
and
tighten the lock screws to 10 N·m (90 in. lbs.).
After the proper backlash is achieved, perform the
Gear Contact Analysis procedure.
GEAR CONTACT PATTERN ANALYSIS
The ring gear and pinion teeth contact patterns
will show if the pinion depth is correct in the axle
housing. It will also show if the ring gear backlash
has been adjusted correctly. The backlash can be
adjusted within specifications to achieve desired
tooth contact patterns.
(1) Apply a thin coat of hydrated ferric oxide, or
equivalent, to the drive and coast side of the ring
gear teeth.
(2) Wrap, twist, and hold a shop towel around the
pinion yoke to increase the turning resistance of the
pinion. This will provide a more distinct contact pat-
tern.
(3) Using a boxed end wrench on a ring gear bolt,
Rotate the differential case one complete revolution
in both directions while a load is being applied from
shop towel.
The areas on the ring gear teeth with the greatest
degree of contact against the pinion teeth will squee-
gee the compound to the areas with the least amount
of contact. Note and compare patterns on the ring
gear teeth to Gear Tooth Contact Patterns chart (Fig.
59) and adjust pinion depth and gear backlash as
necessary.
SIDE GEAR CLEARANCE
When measuring side gear clearance, check each
gear independently. If it necessary to replace a side
gear, replace both gears as a matched set.
(1) Install the axle shafts and C-locks and pinion
mate shaft.
(2) Measure each side gear clearance. Insert a
matched pair of feeler gauge blades between the gear
and differential housing on opposite sides of the hub
(Fig. 60).
(3) If side gear clearances is no more than 0.005
inch. Determine if the axle shaft is contacting the
pinion mate shaft. Do not remove the feeler
gauges, inspect the axle shaft with the feeler
gauge inserted behind the side gear. If the end of
the axle shaft is not contacting the pinion mate
shaft, the side gear clearance is acceptable.
(4) If clearance is more than 0.005 inch (axle shaft
not contacting mate shaft), record the side gear clear-
ance. Remove the thrust washer and measure its
thickness with a micrometer. Add the washer thick-
ness to the recorded side gear clearance. The sum of
gear clearance and washer thickness will determine
required thickness of replacement thrust washer
(Fig. 61).
In some cases, the end of the axle shaft will move
and contact the mate shaft when the feeler gauge is
inserted. The C-lock is preventing the side gear from
sliding on the axle shaft.
(5) If there is no side gear clearance, remove the
C-lock from the axle shaft. Use a micrometer to mea-
sure the thrust washer thickness. Record the thick-
ness and re-install the thrust washer. Assemble the
differential case without the C-lock installed and re-
measure the side gear clearance.
(6) Compare both clearance measurements. If the
difference is less than 0.012 inch (0.305 mm), add
clearance recorded when the C-lock was installed to
thrust washer thickness measured. The sum will
determine the required thickness of the replacement
thrust washer.
Fig. 58 Ring Gear Backlash Measurement
1 – DIAL INDICATOR
2 – RING GEAR
3 – EXCITER RING
XJ
8 1/4 REAR AXLE
3 - 129
ADJUSTMENTS (Continued)