Rear Output Shaft/Yoke/Drive Chain

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Jeep Liberty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Check condition of the seal contact surfaces of the yoke slinger. See Fig 1. This surface must be clean and smooth to ensure proper seal life. Replace the yoke nut and seal washer as neither part should be reused.

Inspect the shaft threads, sprocket teeth, and bearing surfaces. Minor nicks on the teeth can be smoothed with an oilstone. Use 320-400 grit emery to smooth minor scratches on the shaft bearing surfaces. Rough threads on the shaft can be chased if necessary. Replace the shaft if the threads are damaged, bearing surfaces are scored, or if any sprocket teeth are cracked or broken.

Examine the drive chain and shaft bearings. Replace the chain and both sprockets if the chain is stretched, distorted, or if any of the links bind. Replace the bearings if rough, or noisy.

Fig 1: Seal Contact Surface Of Yoke Slinger

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - FRONT SLINGER (PART OF YOKE)

2 - SEAL CONTACT SURFACE MUST BE CLEAN AND SMOOTH