Jeep Wrangler TJ 2003 factory workshop and repair manual
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Covers the gasoline petrol engines 2.5 L PowerTech I4 * 4.0 L PowerTech I6
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Lubrication and Maintenance
Suspension
Differential & Driveline
Vehicle Quick Reference
Brakes
Cooling
Audio/Video
Chime/Buzzer
Electronic Control Modules
Engine Systems
Heated Systems
Horn
Ignition Control
Instrument Cluster
Lamps
Message Systems
Power Systems & Restraints
Speed Control
Vehicle Theft Security
Wipers/Washers
Navigation/Telecommunication
Wiring
Engine
Exhaust System
Frame & Bumpers
Fuel System
Steering
Transmission and Transfer Case
Tires/Wheels
Body
Heating & Air Conditioning
Emission Control
Component and System Index
Jeep Wrangler TJ 2003 factory workshop and repair manual
- Important safety first
- Always work on a level surface with the parking brake set, chock wheels, disconnect the battery, and never rely only on a hydraulic jack to support the vehicle—use properly rated jack stands.
- Transmission work can crush or burn you; wear eye protection, gloves, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
- Quick overview of what this job means
- Replacing an output shaft on a Jeep Wrangler TJ almost always requires removing the transmission (or the transmission’s tailhousing) and disassembling it enough to remove internal bearings/snap rings and press the shaft out.
- Many shops recommend replacing seals, bearings, and often the entire output shaft assembly or a remanufactured transmission because specialty tools and presses are required and tolerances/shims matter.
- Parts you will probably need (replace wear items whenever you open the case)
- Output shaft (specific to your transmission model: AX5/AX15/NV3550/NV3500—get the exact part number for your transmission)
- Output shaft bearing(s)
- Output shaft seal(s) / tail housing seal
- Snap rings / circlips (often single-use)
- Gasket or RTV for transmission cover or tailhousing
- Bearing races (if required by your transmission)
- Speedometer gear or drive if damaged
- Transmission fluid
- Optional but recommended: full bearing/seal kit for that transmission, shims if applicable, and new bolts/fasteners where specified
- Why parts are required
- Output shaft wear, broken splines, damaged seal surfaces, or bad bearings cause leaks, vibration, or inability to transfer torque. Bearings and seals are sacrificial and must be replaced whenever the shaft is removed to ensure proper fit and prevent immediate failure.
- Shims and bearing preload are critical; wrong reuse can cause bearing failure or noise—kits or professional measurements may be needed.
- Tools required (detailed descriptions and how to use them)
- Floor jack
- Description: Low-profile hydraulic jack used to lift the vehicle.
- How to use: Position under the approved jacking point, pump handle to lift, and only use to raise vehicle. Lower slowly when removing.
- Why: Needed to lift vehicle to remove driveshaft, transmission support.
- Jack stands (two or more) — absolutely required
- Description: Rated stands that support the vehicle after lifting.
- How to use: Place stands under frame crossmember or axle points, lower vehicle slowly onto stands; verify stability before going under.
- Why: Safety—never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
- Transmission jack or second floor jack with wood block
- Description: A transmission jack has a wide saddle and safety straps; a second floor jack can substitute if used carefully with a block of wood.
- How to use: Support the transmission tail and main case while you unbolt mounts, lower slowly while watching lines and linkages.
- Why: Transmission is heavy and awkward—proper support prevents dropping it and causing damage/injury.
- Socket set (metric and SAE) with ratchet and extensions
- Description: Assortment of sockets (10–36 mm common for Jeep) and extensions.
- How to use: Choose correct socket size, use breaker bar for stubborn bolts, use extensions to reach recessed fasteners.
- Why: Needed for bellhousing bolts, crossmember, driveshaft bolts, linkage bolts, etc.
- Wrench set (combination open/box)
- Description: Individual wrenches for nuts/bolts where sockets won’t fit.
- How to use: Use the correct size, ensure full engagement to avoid rounding heads.
- Why: Complement sockets for tight spaces.
- Torque wrench (capable of required torque ranges, e.g., 10–150 ft·lb)
- Description: Adjustable tool that applies a specific torque.
- How to use: Set to specified torque and tighten bolts until it clicks/indicates.
- Why: Critical for correct bolt preload on bellhousing, driveshaft, mounting bolts.
- Pry bar
- Description: Hardened steel bar with flattened ends used to apply leverage.
- How to use: Gently pry surfaces apart (bellhousing, tailhousing), don’t gouge mating surfaces.
- Why: To separate case halves, tailhousing, or remove stuck components.
- Snap ring (circlip) pliers (internal and external, depending on snap rings)
- Description: Pliers with tips to compress or expand snap rings.
- How to use: Engage ring in tips, compress/expand to remove/install into groove; ensure ring seats fully.
- Why: Many internal transmission shafts are retained with snap rings.
- Bearing puller / slide hammer or gear puller
- Description: Tool to extract bearings or gears from shafts.
- How to use: Attach jaws/hooks behind bearing race and use the center forcing screw or slide hammer to pull.
- Why: Bearings are press-fit and must be extracted without damaging shaft/case.
- Hydraulic press or arbor press (or access to one at a shop)
- Description: Press that applies high, controlled force to press bearings on/off shafts.
- How to use: Support shaft on blocks, apply pressure through appropriate adapter to press bearing on/off straight.
- Why: Press-fit parts (bearings/races/shaft) require controlled force; attempting by hammer risks damage.
- Seal driver set or appropriate socket and mallet
- Description: Tools to install seals squarely without damage.
- How to use: Center the seal and drive evenly until flush with housing.
- Why: Prevents seal lip damage and leaks.
- Soft-face mallet (rubber/nylon) and dead-blow hammer
- Description: Hammers that apply force without marring metal.
- How to use: Tap components free or into place; avoid steel hammer on soft parts.
- Why: Gentle persuasion without damage.
- Punches and drift pins
- Description: Metal rods used to align holes or drive out pins.
- How to use: Use with care and a hammer to remove roll pins or align dowels.
- Why: Align shafts and separate components.
- Seal puller and gasket scraper
- Description: Tools to remove old seals and clean mating surfaces.
- How to use: Pry old seal out; scrape gasket residue to bare metal carefully.
- Why: Ensures proper sealing on reassembly.
- Feeler gauges and calipers (or micrometer)
- Description: Precision thickness measurement tools.
- How to use: Measure shim thickness, bearing clearance, and shaft diameters.
- Why: Accurate clearances are necessary; shims/preload may require measurement.
- Thread locker (e.g., Loctite blue or red as required) and anti-seize
- Description: Adhesives applied to threads to prevent loosening or galling.
- How to use: Apply sparingly per manufacturer directions before final torque.
- Why: Prevents fasteners loosening under vibration; some bolts require specific threadlocker.
- Drain pan, shop rags, cleaning solvent, and gloves
- Description: Basic cleanup and safety supplies.
- How to use: Catch fluids, wipe surfaces, clean parts before assembly.
- Why: Keeps work area safe and parts clean for proper fit.
- Extra/specialty tools you may need and why
- Transmission alignment tool (for clutch installation, if clutch removed)
- Why: Ensures clutch disc centered for reinstallation of bellhousing.
- Dial indicator (with magnetic base) to check endplay
- Why: Measures output shaft end play precisely; critical for proper function.
- Bearing race driver set
- Why: Install races squarely without damage.
- Professional transmission jack or hoist (if you lack a helper)
- Why: Safer removal and installation—transmission is heavy and awkward.
- Access to a hydraulic press if you do not own one
- Why: Many bearings/races require press work. Renting or using a shop’s press is common.
- Step-by-step procedure (high-level, concise)
- Prepare vehicle: chock wheels, disconnect battery, lift and support on stands.
- Drain transmission fluid into a pan.
- Remove driveshaft: mark yoke orientation to maintain balance, unbolt U-joint straps or slip yoke and set driveshaft aside.
- Support the transmission with a transmission jack.
- Remove transmission-to-transfer case bolts (if transfer case attached) and separate transfer case; support/secure transfer case separately.
- Disconnect clutch linkage or torque converter bolts (automatic) and any electrical connectors/speedometer cable/shift linkage.
- Remove transmission crossmember and mount bolts; lower transmission slightly until it clears frame.
- Unbolt bellhousing from engine and slide transmission rearward and down; you may need to remove bellhousing inspection cover or starter for clearance.
- Clean exterior and place transmission on a bench (drain remaining fluid first).
- Split transmission case or remove tailhousing per service manual instructions to access output shaft assembly—this is model-specific.
- Remove retaining snap rings/circlips and slide out output shaft assembly; remove gears/bearings as needed. Use snap ring pliers, pullers, press as required.
- Inspect shaft for splines, wear, scoring; inspect bearings and races.
- Replace output shaft and any associated bearings/races/seals. Use press to install bearings and drivers to seat seals properly; install new snap rings fully into grooves.
- Reassemble transmission case with new gaskets/sealant and correct shims; torque bolts to specification.
- Reinstall transmission into vehicle: reverse removal steps, align input shaft with clutch or torque converter properly, torque all bolts to spec, reconnect linkages and electrical connectors.
- Refill transmission with correct type/amount of fluid, reconnect battery, test for leaks, and perform a road test checking for noise, leaks, speedometer operation, and engagement.
- Critical reassembly notes and checks
- Bearing preload and endplay: These are critical for shaft life. Use manufacturer specs and feeler gauges/dial indicator. Incorrect preload/endplay will cause premature failure.
- Replace seals and snap rings with new parts; never reuse seals or bent snap rings.
- Keep track of shims/spacers and orientation of thrust washers; they control endplay and gear mesh.
- Torque values: Use a factory service manual for all torque specs—do not guess. Improper torque can lead to failure or leaks.
- Cleanliness: Contaminants shorten bearing life—parts must be cleaned and kept free of dirt.
- When you might instead replace or rebuild the whole transmission
- If you cannot press-fit bearings, measure/preload properly, or lack access to a press/dial indicator, a complete remanufactured transmission or professional rebuild is often safer and cost-effective.
- If multiple internal parts are worn or there is extensive damage (scored shafts, broken gears), replacing the entire transmission or having it rebuilt is recommended.
- Labor/time: Removing and disassembling a transmission is time-consuming; a reman or used transmission drop-in can save time.
- Estimates and practical advice
- Expect several hours to a full day or more if you are a beginner; plan for additional time if specialized tools are needed.
- If you lack a press, snap ring pliers, transmission jack, or dial indicator and are not comfortable with precision measurement and pressing bearings, get the shaft installed at a transmission shop.
- Keep a factory service manual or a reliable service guide for your specific TJ transmission model—this job is model-specific for disassembly order, shim sizes, and torque specs.
- Final safety/reminder
- Double-check fasteners, fluid levels, and that the vehicle is secure before test driving.
- If anything feels uncertain (bearing preload, endplay measurement, pressed fit), stop and consult a transmission specialist.
- Summary recommendation
- It’s feasible for a competent DIYer with the right tools (transmission jack, press or shop access, snap ring pliers, bearing puller, torque wrench) and the factory service manual, but many beginners find it faster and safer to have the output shaft pressed/replaced by a transmission shop and focus on removal/installation if they want to save money.
No more questions; follow factory manual for model-specific steps, torque specs, and shim values. rteeqp73
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The Automatic Transmission 42RLE is a four-speed transmission that is a conventional hydraulic/mechanical assembly controlled with adaptive electronic controls and monitors.