Disassembly - Chrysler 300M Service Manual

LH
42LE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE (Continued)
(18) Disconnect transmission range sensor connec-
tor. Disconnect input and output speed sensor con-
nector.
(19) Disconnect and plug transaxle cooler lines at
the transaxle.
(20) Remove lower control arm pinch bolts.
(21) Pry lower control arms down and out of steer-
ing knuckles.
CAUTION: Do not allow drive shaft or CV joint to
hang freely. Internal joint damage may occur if
allowed to hang freely.
CAUTION: Drive shaft retainer clips and seals
located on the stub shafts must be replaced before
reinstalling drive shafts.
(22) Using a pry bar, disconnect the inner tripod
joints from the transaxle (Fig. 11).
Fig. 11 Half Shaft Removal
1 - TRANSAXLE DIFFERENTIAL
2 - DRIVE SHAFT
3 - PRY BAR
(23) Pull bottom of knuckles and drive shafts out-
ward to allow clearance during transaxle removal.
The drive shafts do not have to be completely
removed from the vehicle. Do not allow the inner
tripod joints to hang unsupported or joint dam-
age may occur.
(24) Disconnect O2 sensor wiring and remove left
catalytic converter pipe.
(25) Unbolt starter assembly. Do not disconnect
wiring or completely remove the starter from the
vehicle. Allow the starter to sit between the engine
and the frame.
(26) Remove engine oil pan collar.
(27) Remove torque converter bolts. The torque
converter is indexed to the flex plate. Mark the
torque converter location to ensure that the torque
converter is reinstalled correctly.
CAUTION: The drive plate to torque converter bolts
and the drive plate to crankshaft bolts must not be
reused. Install new bolts whenever these bolts are
removed.
(28) Place a transmission jack under the transaxle.
Secure the transaxle to the jack.
(29) Raise transaxle slightly to relieve the weight
on the rear transaxle mount.
NOTE: Bolts for the crossmember bridge are differ-
ent lengths, side to side.
(30) Remove rear crossmember bridge bolts.
(31) Remove rear mount adapter plate mounting
bolts.
(32) Remove the rear crossmember bridge, mount,
and adapter plate as an assembly.
(33) Lower the rear of the transaxle to gain access
to the bell housing bolts.
(34) Remove side bell housing bolts.
(35) Remove dipstick tube from transaxle. Be pre-
pared to plug the dipstick hole when removing dip-
stick to prevent fluid from spilling out of the
transaxle.
(36) Disconnect solenoid/pressure switch assembly
connector at top of transaxle.
(37) The transaxle can now be lowered from the
vehicle.

DISASSEMBLY

NOTE: If the transaxle is being reconditioned
(clutch/seal replacement) or replaced, it is neces-
sary to perform the Quick Learn Procedure using
the DRBIII Scan Tool (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES/TRANSMISSION
CONTROL MODULE - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
Before disassembling transaxle, move the shift
lever clockwise as far as it will go and then remove
the shift lever.
NOTE: Tag all clutch pack assemblies, as they are
removed, for reassembly identification.
CAUTION: Do not intermix clutch discs or plates as
the unit might then fail.
(1) Measure input shaft end play using Tool 8266.
Set up Tool 8266 and a dial indicator as shown in
(Fig. 12). Move input shaft in and out to obtain end
play reading. End play specifications are 0.13 to 0.64
mm (0.005 to 0.025 inch). Record indicator reading
TRANSAXLE 21 - 11