Dodge RAM 1500 1998 Owner's Manual page 195

3 - 114 REAR AXLE - 10 1/2 AA
REAR AXLE - 10 1/2 AA (Continued)
Condition
Differential Cracked
Differential Gears Scored
Loss Of Lubricant
Axle Overheating
Gear Teeth Broke
Possible Causes
1. Improper adjustment of the
differential bearings.
2. Excessive ring gear backlash.
3. Vehicle overloaded.
4. Erratic clutch operation.
1. Insufficient lubrication.
2. Improper grade of lubricant.
3. Excessive spinning of one
wheel/tire.
1. Lubricant level too high.
2. Worn axle shaft seals.
3. Cracked differential housing.
4. Worn pinion seal.
5. Worn/scored yoke.
6. Axle cover not properly sealed.
1. Lubricant level low.
2. Improper grade of lubricant.
3. Bearing pre-loads too high.
4. Insufficient ring gear backlash.
1. Overloading.
2. Erratic clutch operation.
3. Ice-spotted pavement.
4. Improper adjustments.
Correction
1. Replace case and inspect gears
and bearings for further damage. Set
differential bearing pre-load properly.
2. Replace case and inspect gears
and bearings for further damage. Set
ring gear backlash properly.
3. Replace case and inspect gears
and bearings for further damage.
Avoid excessive vehicle weight.
4. Replace case and inspect gears
and bearings for further damage.
Avoid erratic use of clutch.
1. Replace scored gears. Fill
differential with the correct fluid type
and quantity.
2. Replace scored gears. Fill
differential with the correct fluid type
and quantity.
3. Replace scored gears. Inspect all
gears, pinion bores, and shaft for
damage. Service as necessary.
1. Drain lubricant to the correct level.
2. Replace seals.
3. Repair as necessary.
4. Replace seal.
5. Replace yoke and seal.
6. Remove, clean, and re-seal cover.
1. Fill differential to correct level.
2. Fill differential with the correct fluid
type and quantity.
3. Re-adjust bearing pre-loads.
4. Re-adjust ring gear backlash.
1. Replace gears. Examine other
gears and bearings for possible
damage.
2. Replace gears and examine the
remaining parts for damage. Avoid
erratic clutch operation.
3. Replace gears and examine
remaining parts for damage.
4. Replace gears and examine
remaining parts for damage. Ensure
ring gear backlash is correct.
DR