Dodge 2001 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual page 245

3 - 172 REAR AXLE - 286RBI
REAR AXLE - 286RBI (Continued)
Condition
Wheel Noise
Axle Shaft Noise
Axle Shaft Broke
Differential Cracked
Differential Gears Scored
Loss Of Lubricant
DIAGNOSTIC CHART
Possible Causes
1. Wheel loose.
2. Faulty, brinelled wheel bearing.
1. Misaligned axle tube.
2. Bent or sprung axle shaft.
1. Misaligned axle tube.
2 Vehicle overloaded.
3. Erratic clutch operation.
4. Grabbing clutch.
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.
Correction
1. Tighten loose nuts.
2. Replace bearing.
1. Inspect axle tube alignment. Correct
as necessary.
2. Inspect and correct as necessary.
1. Replace the broken shaft after
correcting tube mis-alignment.
2. Replace broken shaft and avoid
excessive weight on vehicle.
3. Replace broken shaft and avoid or
correct erratic clutch operation.
4. Replace broken shaft and inspect and
repair clutch as necessary.
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.
BR/BE