Grand Cherokee 4WD Laredo V8-4.7L (2002)
Differential Axle Housing: All Technical Service Bulletins
Drivetrain - Rear Axle Vent Cap Leakage
NUMBER: 03-002-03
GROUP: Differential & Driveline
DATE: Aug. 29, 2003
SUBJECT:
Fluid Weepage Past Rear Axle Vent Line Jiggle Cap
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves the installation of a fluid accumulator canister to the rear axle vent line.
MODELS:
1999 - 2004
(WJ)
Grand Cherokee (Domestic and International Markets)
2001 - 2004
(WG)
Grand Cherokee (International Market)
NOTE:
This bulletin applies to vehicles equipped with a 226RBA/Dana 44 rear axle (sales code DRK).
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Axle fluid may weep past the rear axle vent line jiggle cap and track down the outside of the vent tube. The customer may experience a small deposit of
axle fluid on the ground from the accumulated fluid tracking, but may not know the source of this axle fluid deposit.
The axle fluid weepage may be the result of residual fluid in the vent line being forced past the jiggle cap due to rapid pressure build up in the axle
housing. This condition will normally occur following a vehicle cold soak period and a drive cycle where the engine is started and the vehicle driven at
highway speeds almost immediately.
DIAGNOSIS:
1.
Inspect the rear axle vent line for axle fluid tracking on the outside of the axle vent line.
2.
If axle fluid is present on the axle vent line, and the customer has described the above condition, then perform the Repair Procedure.
PARTS REQUIRED:
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
1.
Raise the vehicle on a suitable frame lift.
2.
Remove the rear bumper fascia by first removing the four (4) plastic push pins and two (2) screws in the liftgate opening. Remove the remaining
four (4) plastic push pins at the bottom of the fascia. At each rear wheel well opening remove the three (3) plastic rivets and 10 mm nut used to
secure the fascia to the vehicle quarter panel. Release each large plastic retainer used to secure the sides of the fascia to each quarter panel. Use a
long narrow trim stick positioned between the fascia and the quarter panel to release the tabs on each large plastic retainer. Remove the fascia from
the vehicle. If necessary, refer to the appropriate Service Manual, section 13 - Frame & Bumpers, for detailed fascia removal instructions.
3.
Remove the left rear wheel splash/stone shield from the vehicle.
4.
If equipped, loosen but do not remove the two nuts and one bolt used to secure the evaporative canister assembly support bracket to the vehicle.
Remove the nut used to secure the support bracket brace to the quarter panel.
5.
Remove the evaporative canister assembly support bracket, if equipped, from the vehicle.