Dodge 2000 DURANGO Service Manual page 85

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DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
• Damaged axle shaft bearing(s).
• Loose pinion nut.
• Excessive companion flange 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:
• High engine idle speed.
• Transmission shift operation.
• Loose engine/transmission/transfer case mounts.
• Worn U–joints.
• Loose spring mounts.
• Loose pinion nut and companion flange.
• Excessive ring gear backlash.
• Excessive side gear to 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.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
LUBRICANT CHANGE
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the lubricant fill hole plug from the
differential housing cover.
(3) Remove the differential housing cover and
drain the lubricant from the housing.
(4) Clean the housing cavity with a flushing oil,
light engine oil or lint free cloth. Do not use water,
steam, kerosene or gasoline for cleaning.
(5) Remove the sealant from the housing and cover
surfaces. Use solvent to clean the mating surfaces.
(6) Apply a bead of Mopar Silicone Rubber Seal-
ant, or equivalent, to the housing cover (Fig. 3).
Install the housing cover within 5 minutes
after applying the sealant.
(7) Install the cover and any identification tag.
Tighten the cover bolts in a criss–cross pattern to 23
N·m (17 ft. lbs.) torque.
Fig. 3 Housing Cover With Sealant
1 – SEALING SURFACE
2 – CONTOUR OF BEAD
3 – BEAD THICKNESS 5.0mm (3/16")
(8) Refill the differential with Mopar
Gear Lubricant, or equivalent, to bottom of the fill
plug hole. Refer to the Lubricant Specifications in
this group for the quantity necessary.
(9) Install the fill hole plug and lower the vehicle.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
FRONT AXLE
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the skid plate, if equipped.
(3) Remove skid plate support crossmember, if nec-
essary.
(4) Remove both C/V driveshafts.
(5) Mark the propeller shaft, transfer case, and
pinion companion flange for installation alignment
reference.
(6) Remove the front propeller shaft.
(7) Remove the axle vent tube.
(8) Use an adjustable and movable jack to support
the differential housing.
C205F AXLE 3 - 35
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