Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 603

Fig. 305: Installing Differential Bolts 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Apply a coat of hypoid gear lubricant to differential bearings, bearing caps and threaded adjusters. 

2. Install differential assembly into the housing.  

3. Install differential bearing caps in their original locations.  

4. Install bearing cap bolts (2) and tighten upper bolts to 14 N.m (10 ft. lbs.). Tighten lower bolts finger-

tight until bolt head is seated. 

NOTE:

Grease can be used to keep the adjusters in position.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 DRIVELINE Differential & Driveline - Nitro

  

Fig. 306: Identifying Axle Tubes & Adjuster C-4164 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

5. Perform differential bearing preload adjustment procedure with Wrench C-4164 (3).  

6. Tighten bearing cap bolts in a criss-cross pattern to 135 N.m (100 ft. lbs.).  

7. Install adjuster locks on bearing caps and tighten to 10 N.m (90 in. lbs.). 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 DRIVELINE Differential & Driveline - Nitro

  

Fig. 307: Identifying Axle Shaft & Axle Tube 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

8. Install axle shaft (1) in axle tube (2) and engage into side gear splines. 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 DRIVELINE Differential & Driveline - Nitro

  

Fig. 308: Installing C-Lock In Axle Shaft End, Then Pushing Axle Shaft Outward To Seat C-Lock 
In Side Gear 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

9. Lubricate bearing bore and seal lip with gear lubricant.  

10. Install C-lock (1) in axle shaft end, then push axle shaft outward to seat C-lock in side gear. 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 DRIVELINE Differential & Driveline - Nitro