Bearing Adjustment Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Dodge Caliber. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
Use only new
bearings on both output shafts and the differential to ensure correct turning torque. The bearings can loose as much as one half of its turning torque after brake in.
- Use extreme care when removing and installing bearing cups and cones. Use only an arbor press for installation, as a hammer may not properly align the bearing cup or cone. Burrs or nicks on the bearing seat give a false end-play reading while gauging for proper shims. Improperly seated bearing cups and cones are subject to low-mileage failure.
- Bearing cups and cones should be replaced if they show signs of pitting or heat distress. If distress is seen on either the cup or bearing rollers, both cup and cone must be replaced.
- Bearing preload and drag torque specifications must be maintained to avoid premature bearing failures. Used (original) bearings may lose up to 50% of the original drag torque after break-in.
- Replace bearings as a pair: If one differential bearing is defective, replace both differential bearings, if one input shaft bearing is defective, replace both input shaft bearings.
- Bearing cones must not be reused if removed unless a ground cone is used to find proper shim size.
- Turning-torque readings should be obtained while smoothly rotating in either direction.