QuestionQUESTION: Kevin,
I have a 96 Grand Cherokee Limited. From the looks of it, I have an aluminum dana 44 rear axle/diff.
While sliding around in an icy parking lot, I tapped a curb with the right rear (slid sideways in to it). There is very little rash on the wheel, so I don't think I hit it terribly hard. In any case, the right rear now squeaks at wheel frequency (swish swish noise). When applying brakes, it becomes more of a thump at wheel frequency. My guess is that it's an outer axle bearing that got jarred. It's been several months and a couple thousand miles, and the noise hasn't changed at all.
Thoughts?
Thanks!
matt
ANSWER: vary possible or the dust shield look for witness marks
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QUESTION: I'm hoping that there's little chance it screwed up one of the inner bearings or something in the diff? I'd expect that an axle would be bent before something like this would happen? Hopefully that's right?
Is there any way to positively identify the problem before I tear the hub apart?
In the event I do tear it down, am I correct in assuming that the axle slides right out without removing the cover on the diff (ie, no c-clips). The bearings would then be pressed on to the axle shaft?
Thanks!
matt
AnswerI dont know of a way to tell u what the issue is over there internet no and with out looking at it and hearing it myself no.
AXLE SHAFT
REMOVAL
Raise and support the vehicle.
Remove the wheel and tire.
Remove the brake drum.
Clean all the foreign material from housing cover area.
Loosen the housing cover bolts. Drain the lubricant from the housing and the axle shaft tubes. Remove the housing cover.
Rotate the differential case so that the pinion mate gear shaft lock screw is accessible. Remove the lock screw and the pinion mate gear shaft from the case Mate Shaft Lock Screw
Force the axle shaft in toward the center of the vehicle. Remove the axle shaft C - clip lock from the axle shaft Axle Shaft C - Clip Lock
Remove the axle shaft. Use care to prevent damage to the axle shaft bearing and seal, which will remain in the axle shaft tube.
Inspect axle shaft seal for leakage or damage.
Inspect the roller bearing contact surface on the axle shaft for signs of brinelling, galling and pitting.
If any of these conditions exist, the axle shaft and bearing or seal must be replaced.
INSTALLATION
Lubricate the bearing bore and seal lip with gear lubricant. Insert the axle shaft through the seal, bearing, and engage it with the side gear splines. Use care to prevent the shaft splines from damaging the axle shaft seal lip.
Insert the C - clip lock in the end of the axle shaft. Push the axle shaft outward to seat the C - clip lock in the side gear.
Insert the mate shaft into the case and through the thrust washers and pinion gears. Align the hole in shaft with the hole in the differential case and install the lock screw with Loctite® on the threads. Tighten the screw to 19 N·m (14 ft. lbs.) torque.
Install the cover and add fluid. Refer to the Drain and Refill in this section.
AXLE SHAFT SEAL AND BEARING
REMOVAL
Remove the axle shaft. Refer to the Removal procedures in this Group.
Remove the axle shaft seal from the end of the axle shaft tube with a small pry bar.
Remove the bearing if it appears damaged.
The seal and bearing can be removed at the same time with the bearing removal tool.
Remove the axle shaft bearing from the tube Axle Shaft Bearing Removal Tool with Bearing Removal Tool Set 6310.
Inspect the axle shaft tube bore for roughness and burrs. Remove as necessary
CAUTION: Inspect the housing bore for burrs. Remove them if they exist.
INSTALLATION
Do not install the original axle shaft seal. Always install a new seal.
Wipe the bore in the axle shaft tube clean.
Install axle shaft bearing with Installer 6436 and Handle C - 4171. Ensure part number on the bearing must go against the Installer.
Install the new axle shaft seal Axle Shaft Seal Installation with Installer 6437 and Handle C - 4171.
Install the Axle Shaft. Refer to the installation procedure.
