Differential Bearing Preload Adjustment Using Existing Shim
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Dodge Stratus and 2005 Chrysler Sebring. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Position the transaxle assembly vertically on the support stand, differential bearing retainer side up.
- Install Tool L-4436A into the differential and onto the pinion mate shaft. See Fig 1.
1 - SPECIAL TOOL L-4436-A 2 - TORQUE WRENCH 3 - DIFFERENTIAL BEARING RETAINER - Rotate the differential at least one full revolution to ensure the tapered roller bearings are fully seated.
- Using Tool L-4436A and an inch-pound torque wrench, check the turning torque of the differential. See Fig 2. The turning torque should be between 5 and 18 inch-pounds.
1 - SPECIAL TOOL L-4436-A 2 - TORQUE WRENCH - If the turning torque is within specifications, remove tools. Setup is complete.
- If turning torque is not within specifications proceed with the following steps.
- Remove differential bearing retainer from the transaxle case.
- Remove the bearing cup from the differential bearing retainer using Tool 6062A.
- Remove the existing shim from under the cup.
- Measure the existing shim.
- If the turning torque was too high when measured, install a 0.05 mm (0.002 inch) thinner shim. If the turning torque is was too low, install a 0.05 mm (0.002 inch) thicker shim. Repeat until 5 to 18 inch-pounds turning torque is obtained.
Oil Baffle is not required to be installed when making shim selection.
- Install the proper shim under the bearing cup. Make sure the oil baffle is installed properly in the bearing retainer, below the bearing shim and cup.
- Install the differential bearing retainer using Tool 5052 and C-4171. Seal the retainer to the housing with MOPAR(R) Adhesive Sealant and torque bolts to 28 N.m (250 in. lbs.).
- Using Tool L-4436A and an inch-pound torque wrench, recheck the turning torque of the differential. See Fig 2. The turning torque should be between 5 and 18 inch-pounds.
Shim thickness need be determined only if any of the following parts are replaced:
- Transaxle case
- Differential carrier
- Differential bearing retainer
- Extension housing
- Differential bearing cups and cones
DIFFERENTIAL BEARING SHIM CHART
| PART NUMBER | SHIM | THICKNESS |
|---|---|---|
| MM | INCH | |
| 4659257 | .980 | 0.0386 |
| 4659258 | 1.02 | 0.0402 |
| 4659259 | 1.06 | 0.0418 |
| 4659260 | 1.10 | 0.0434 |
| 4659261 | 1.14 | 0.0449 |
| 4659262 | 1.18 | 0.0465 |
| 4659263 | 1.22 | 0.0481 |
| 4659264 | 1.26 | 0.0497 |
| 4659265 | 1.30 | 0.0512 |
| 4659266 | 1.34 | 0.0528 |
| 4659267 | 1.38 | 0.0544 |
| 4659268 | 1.42 | 0.0560 |
| 4659269 | 1.46 | 0.0575 |
| 4659270 | 1.50 | 0.0591 |
| 4659271 | 1.54 | 0.0607 |
| 4659272 | 1.58 | 0.0623 |
| 4659273 | 1.62 | 0.0638 |
| 4659274 | 1.66 | 0.0654 |
| 4659275 | 1.70 | 0.0670 |
| 4659283 | 2.02 | 0.0796 |
| 4659284 | 2.06 | 0.0812 |