Description And Operation; Axle Seals; Shift Levers; Diagnosis And Testing - Chrysler neon 1997 Service Manual

21 - 4 TRANSAXLE

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION

SHIFT LEVERS

The shift levers are serviceable in the vehicle. The
shift levers are different from each other and do not
interchange.
SELECTOR LEVER
The selector shaft uses a lever with a weight on CROSSOVER CROSSOVER LEVER CABLE
the end (Fig. 5). The weight is used to improve shift
feel and reduce noise.
The selector lever is retained by two roll pins (one
inside the other).
Fig. 5 Selector Lever

AXLE SEALS

The axle shaft seals are identical for both sides of
the differential and will interchange.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

COMMON PROBLEM CAUSES
The majority of transaxle malfunctions are a result
of:
• Insufficient lubrication
• Incorrect lubricant
• Misassembled or damaged internal components
• Improper operation

HARD SHIFTING

Hard shifting may be caused by a misadjusted
crossover cable. If hard shifting is accompanied by
gear clash, synchronizer clutch and stop rings, or
gear teeth may be worn or damaged.
Misassembled synchronizer components also cause
shifting problems. Incorrectly installed synchronizer
sleeves, struts, or springs can cause shift problems.
FWD SELECTOR SELECTOR LEVER CABLE

NOISY OPERATION

Transaxle noise is most often a result of worn or
damaged components. Chipped, broken gear or syn-
chronizer teeth, and brinnelled, spalled bearings all
cause noise.
Abnormal wear and damage to the internal compo-
nents is frequently the end result of insufficient
lubricant.
SLIPS OUT OF GEAR
Transaxle disengagement may be caused by mis-
aligned or damaged shift components, or worn teeth
on the drive gears or synchronizer components. Incor-
rect assembly also causes gear disengagement.
LOW LUBRICANT LEVEL
Insufficient transaxle lubricant is usually the
result of leaks, or inaccurate fluid level check or refill
method. Leakage is evident by the presence of oil
around the leak point. If leakage is not evident, the
condition is probably the result of an underfill.
If air–powered lubrication equipment is used to fill
a transaxle, be sure the equipment is properly cali-
brated. Equipment out of calibration can lead to an
underfill condition.

CLUTCH PROBLEMS

Worn, damaged, or misaligned clutch components
can cause difficult shifting, gear clash, and noise.
A worn or damaged clutch disc, pressure plate, or
release bearing can cause hard shifting and gear
clash.

SERVICE PROCEDURES

FLUID DRAIN AND FILL
All NV T350 (A-578) transaxles are equipped with
a fill plug. The fill plug is located on the left side of
the transaxle differential area (Fig. 6). The fluid level
should be within 3/16 inch from the bottom of the
transaxle fill hole (vehicle must be level when check-
ing).
All NV T350 (A-578) transaxles are equipped with
a drain plug. The drain plug is located on the lower
right side of the transaxle differential housing (Fig.
7). Tighten drain plug to 28 N·m (250 in. lbs.)
Dry fill lubricant capacity is approximately 1.9-2.2
liters (4.0-4.6 pints). Wipe the outside of the tran-
saxle if any lubricant spills.
PL