Laser AWD L4-1997cc 2.0L DOHC Turbo (1992)
Differential Carrier: Service and Repair
Differential Carrier Inspection Procedures
Rear Axle Total Backlash
Fig. 2 Checking Rear Axle Total Backlash
NOTE If vehicle vibrates and has a booming sound due to system driveline imbalance, total axle backlash should be checked as follows:
1. Place gearshift in neutral, apply parking brake, then raise and support vehicle.
2. Manually turn propeller shaft clockwise as far as it will go and scribe mating mark on companion flange dust cover and differential carrier.
3. Manually turn shaft counterclockwise as far as it will go and measure movement of mating marks.
4. If total axle backlash is less than 0.2 inch (5 mm), backlash is satisfactory.
5. If backlash is more than 0.2 inch (5 mm), refer to Transmission and Drivetrain/Drive Axles, Bearings and Joints/Axle Bearings/Adjustments.
Gear Oil Level Check
1. Remove filler plug and check oil level.
2. If oil level reaches bottom of filler plug hole, oil level is satisfactory.
3. If level does not reach bottom of filler plug hole, fill differential with MOPAR Hypoid Gear Oil API classification GL-5 or equivalent.
Rear Wheel Bearing Endplay Check
Fig. 3 Checking Rear Wheel Bearing Endplay
1. Raise and support vehicle on axle stands.
2. Remove rear wheel and tire assembly, then disconnect parking brake cable from rear brake.
3. Remove caliper assembly and brake disc.
4. Position a dial indicator as shown and measure endplay when axle is moved in an axial direction.
5. Endplay should be less than 0.031 inch (0.8 mm).
6. If endplay exceeds 0.031 inch (0.8 mm), ensure torque of axle shaft companion flange is 116-159 lb-ft. If torque is within specification, replace
wheel bearing.
Rear Wheel Bearing Rotation Sliding Resistance Check
