Inspections

ACCESSORIES MOUNTING INSPECTION
Inspect the drive belt accessories mounting brackets and hardware for loose fasteners or bad belt alignment.

AXLE INSPECTION
Check for low differential lubricant. During turns, the rear axle may have a chattering noise (limited slip or Traction-Lok(R) axles only). Slight chatter noise on slow turns after extended highway driving is considered acceptable and has no detrimental effect on the limited slip axle functions.

DRIVE BELT INSPECTION
Inspect the drive belt and pulleys for wear or damage. The automatic tensioners have belt wear indicator marks. If the indicator mark is not between the MIN and MAX marks, the drive belt is worn or an incorrect drive belt is installed. With the engine idling, check for irregular motion of the drive belt.

DRIVESHAFT INSPECTION
Inspect the driveshaft for any undercoating or physical damage. Check for index marks (yellow paint daub marks) on rear of driveshaft and axle companion flange. The paint daubs should be less than 22 1/2 degrees apart.

DRIVESHAFT U-JOINT INSPECTION
Raise the vehicle on a hoist and inspect the universal joints for excessive play.

EXHAUST SYSTEM INSPECTION
Raise the vehicle on a hoist and check for broken or loose clamps or brackets.

TIRE/WHEEL INSPECTION
Inspect the tire/wheel for extreme or unusual wear, damage, cupping, or flat spots. Verify that the correct tire size and wheel rim are used. If a tire/wheel is damaged, the suspension components may suffer misalignment, abnormal wear, or damage that might have contributed to the tire/wheel damage.

TRANSFER CASE INSPECTION
Inspect the transfer case for proper operation.

VERIFICATION OF REAR BRAKE CONCERN
Confirm if the problem is from the rear brakes by making a light stop from approximately 80 to 56 km/h (50 to 35 mph) using the parking brake. You must hold the release handle out while depressing the parking brake pedal with the left foot. If the shudder or vibration is present, the problem is in the rear brakes. If the shudder or vibration is not present, the problem is in the front brakes.

REAR HUB BEARING TESTING
Bearing malfunctions normally will be obvious at disassembly. Pinion bearings make a high-pitched, whistling noise, usually at all speeds. However, if there is only one pinion bearing that is malfunctioning, the noise may vary in different driving phases.





If bearing cup is spalled (A) or bearing roller(s) are spalled (B), replace the bearing.