Jeep 1997 Grand Cherokee Service Manual page 111

ZG
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
level. Where axle bearing damage is slight, the noise
is usually not noticeable at speeds above 30 mph.
LOW SPEED KNOCK
Low speed knock is generally caused by a worn
U–joint or by worn side–gear thrust washers. A worn
pinion gear shaft bore will also cause low speed
knock.
VIBRATION
Vibration at the rear of the vehicle is usually
caused by a:
• Damaged drive shaft.
• Missing drive shaft balance weight(s).
• Worn or out–of–balance wheels.
• Loose wheel lug nuts.
• Worn U–joint(s).
• Loose/broken springs.
• Damaged axle shaft bearing(s).
• Loose pinion gear nut.
• Excessive pinion yoke run out.
• Bent axle shaft(s).
Check for loose or damaged front–end components
or engine/transmission mounts. These components
can contribute to what appears to be a rear–end
vibration. Do not overlook engine accessories, brack-
ets and drive belts.
All driveline components should be examined
before starting any repair.
Refer to Group 22, Wheels and Tires, for additional
vibration information.
DRIVELINE SNAP
A snap or clunk noise when the vehicle is shifted
into gear (or the clutch engaged), can be caused by:
DIFFERENTIAL AND DRIVELINE
• High engine idle speed
• Loose engine/transmission/transfer case mounts
• Worn U–joints
• Loose spring mounts
• Loose pinion gear nut and yoke
• Excessive ring gear backlash
• Excessive side gear/case clearance
The source of a snap or a clunk noise can be deter-
mined with the assistance of a helper. Raise the vehi-
cle on a hoist with the wheels free to rotate. Instruct
the helper to shift the transmission into gear. Listen
for the noise, a mechanics stethoscope is helpful in
isolating the source of a noise.
TRAC–LOK DIFFERENTIAL NOISE
The most common problem is a chatter noise when
turning corners. Before removing a Trac-lok unit for
repair, drain, flush and refill the axle with the spec-
ified lubricant. Refer to Lubricant change in this
Group.
A container of Mopar Trac-lok Lubricant (friction
modifier) should be added after repair service or dur-
ing a lubricant change.
After changing the lubricant, drive the vehicle and
make 10 to 12 slow, figure-eight turns. This maneu-
ver will pump lubricant through the clutches. This
will correct the condition in most instances. If the
chatter persists, clutch damage could have occurred
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