Dodge dakota 2002 Service Manual page 121

3 - 48 FRONT AXLE - 9 1/4 AA
FRONT AXLE - 9 1/4 AA (Continued)
Condition
Gear Teeth Broke
Axle Noise
REMOVAL
(1) Remove wheels and tires.
(2) Remove brake calipers and rotors.
(3) Disconnect ABS wheel speed sensors.
(4) Disconnect axle vent hose.
(5) Remove front propeller shaft.
(6) Disconnect stabilizer bar links at the axle
brackets.
(7) Disconnect shock absorbers from axle brackets.
(8) Disconnect track bar from the axle bracket.
(9) Disconnect tie rod and drag link from the steer-
ing knuckles.
(10) Position suitable lifting device under the axle
assembly.
(11) Secure axle to lifting device.
(12) Mark suspension alignment cams for installa-
tion reference.
(13) Disconnect upper and lower suspension arms
from the axle bracket.
Possible Causes
1. Overloading.
2. Erratic clutch operation.
3. Ice-spotted pavement.
4. Improper adjustments.
1. Insufficient lubricant.
2. Improper ring gear and pinion
adjustment.
3. Unmatched ring gear and pinion.
4. Worn teeth on ring gear and/or
pinion.
5. Loose pinion bearings.
6. Loose differential bearings.
7. Mis-aligned or sprung ring gear.
8. Loose differential bearing cap
bolts.
9. Housing not machined properly.
(14) Lower the axle. The coil springs will drop
with the axle.
(15) Remove the coil springs from the axle bracket.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Suspension components with rubber
bushings should be tightened with the weight of the
vehicle on the suspension, at normal height. If
springs are not at their normal ride position, vehicle
ride comfort could be affected and premature bush-
ing wear may occur. Rubber bushings must never
be lubricated.
(1) Support the axle on a suitable lifting device.
(2) Secure axle to lifting device.
(3) Position the axle under the vehicle.
(4) Install springs, retainer clip and bolts.
(5) Raise axle and align it with the spring pads.
Correction
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.
1. Fill differential with the correct
fluid type and quantity.
2. Check ring gear and pinion
contact pattern.
3. Replace gears with a matched
ring gear and pinion.
4. Replace ring gear and pinion.
5. Adjust pinion bearing pre-load.
6. Adjust differential bearing
pre-load.
7. Measure ring gear run-out.
Replace components as necessary.
8. Inspect differential components
and replace as necessary. Ensure
that the bearing caps are torqued
tot he proper specification.
9. Replace housing.
DR