Dodge RAM TRUCK 1500 1995 Service Manual page 99

2 - 24 FRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLE
mm
(4) Install a socket and inch-pound torque wrench
on the pinion nut.
(5) Rotate the shaft with the torque wrench and
note the torque.
The required preload is equal to amount re­
corded during removal plus 0.56 N-m (5 in. lbs.).
The used bearing preload torque must never
exceed 2.25 N-m (20 in. lbs.)
(6) Use Yoke Holder 6719 to retain the yoke and
shaft (Fig. 5). Tighten the shaft nut in very small in­
crements.
Fig. 5 Tightening Pinion Shaft Nut
(7) Continue tightening the shaft nut in small in­
crements until the correct bearing preload torque is
attained. Tighten the pinion shaft nut:
• Model 44; No less than 258 N-m (190 ft. lbs.)
torque. No greater than 393 N-m (290 ft. lbs.)
torque
• Model m i No less than 292 N-m- (215 ft. lbs.)
torque. No greater than 427 N-m (315 ft. lbs.)
torque
(8) Align the installation reference marks and at­
tach the propeller shaft to the yoke.
(9) Add API grade GL 5 hypoid gear lubricant to
the differential housing, if necessary.
(10) Install wheel and tire assemblies
(11) Remove support and lower the vehicle.
HUB BEARING AND AXLE SHAFT
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
(3) Remove the brake components from the axle,
refer to Group 5 Brakes.
(4) Remove the cotter pin and axle hub nut.
(5) Remove the hub to knuckle bolts (Fig. 6). Re­
move the hub bearing from the steering knuckle and
axle shaft.
Fig. 6 Hub and Knuckle
(6) Remove the brake dust shield.
(7) On 4WD vehicles, remove the axle shaft
from the housing. Avoid damaging the axle
shaft oil seal.
INSTALLATION
(1) On 4x4 vehicles clean the axle shaft and apply
a thin film of Mopar Wheel Bearing Grease to the
shaft splines, seal contact surface, hub bore. Install
the axle shaft into the housing and differential side
gears. Avoid damaging the axle shaft oil seals in the
differential.
(2) Install dust shield and hub bearing on knuckle.
(3) Install the hub bearing to knuckle bolts and
tighten to 170 N-m (125 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Install the axle washer and nut, tighten nut to
237 N-m (175 ft. lbs.) torque. Align nut to next cotter
pin hole and install new cotter pin.
(5) Install the brake components, refer to Group 5,
Brakes.
(6) Install the wheel and tire assembly.
(7) Remove support and lower the vehicle.
AXLE SHAFT— CARDAN U-JOINT
DISASSEMBLY
Single cardan U-joints are not serviceable. If defec­
tive, they must be replaced as a unit. If the bearings,
seals, spider or bearing caps are damaged or worn,
replace the complete U-joint.
CAUTION: Clamp only the forged portion of the
yoke in the vise. Also, to avoid distorting the yoke,
do not over tighten the vise jaws.
(1) Remove the bearing cap retaining snap rings
(Fig. 7).
It can be helpful to saturate the bearing caps
with penetrating oil prior to removal.