Transmission Input Shaft Bearing

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the transmission input shaft bearing, requiring complete transmission removal from the vehicle and partial transmission disassembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission input shaft bearing × 1 — Use OEM specification for G56 or NV5600 as equipped
• Input shaft seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission gasket set × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Clutch release bearing (manual) × 1 — Inspect and replace if worn
• Pilot bearing × 1 — Inspect and replace if worn
• Transfer case output seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission to transfer case gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• RTV silicone sealant × 1 — Mopar or equivalent

Fluids

• ATF+4 — 8 qt

Preparation

1. Verify transmission type (manual G56 or automatic 68RFE) as procedure varies significantly
2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
3. Disconnect both battery cables, negative first, then positive
4. Raise vehicle on lift or securely support on jack stands at frame rails, minimum 36 inches clearance
5. Remove skid plates and belly pans if equipped
6. Place drain pans under transmission and transfer case
7. Mark driveshafts for reinstallation alignment
8. Take photos of electrical connector locations and routing for reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain fluids and remove driveshafts
   Drain transmission fluid from drain plug. Drain transfer case fluid from drain plug. Remove rear driveshaft by removing four bolts at rear differential flange and four bolts at transfer case output flange. Remove front driveshaft by removing six bolts at front differential flange and sliding shaft out of transfer case (pry dust cap if present). Support driveshafts and remove from vehicle. Cap transfer case openings to prevent contamination.
2. 2

   Disconnect exhaust and crossmember
   Disconnect exhaust at turbo outlet or downpipe flange (typically 4 bolts/nuts). Support exhaust with wire or strap to prevent damage. Remove transmission crossmember bolts (2 per side at frame). Support transmission with transmission jack before removing crossmember. Remove crossmember from vehicle.
3. 3

   Disconnect electrical and hydraulic connections
   Disconnect the transmission output/vehicle speed sensor connector if equipped (verify location on the G56 case). Disconnect reverse light switch connector. Disconnect backup light switch if equipped. For manual transmission, disconnect hydraulic clutch line at transmission slave cylinder using flare nut wrench - expect fluid leakage and cap line immediately. Remove clutch slave cylinder mounting bolts and position aside. Disconnect any ground straps from transmission to frame.
4. 4

   Remove shift linkage and tower
   For manual transmission, remove shift tower boot from floor inside cab. Remove shift tower mounting bolts (typically 4 bolts) from top of transmission. Lift shift tower assembly straight up and out of transmission. Cover opening with clean rag to prevent contamination. For automatic transmission, disconnect shift linkage at transmission and remove transmission range sensor connector.
5. 5

   Support engine and separate transfer case
   Install engine support fixture across engine bay or attach engine hoist to lift eyes on engine. Support engine weight to prevent tipping when transmission is removed. Remove transfer case to transmission mounting nuts/bolts (typically 6-8 fasteners). Using pry bar, carefully separate transfer case from transmission. Support transfer case on jack or stand and move aside - do not let it hang on output shaft. Inspect transfer case input gear and shaft for damage.
6. 6

   Remove transmission mounting bolts
   Verify transmission is securely supported on transmission jack with safety chains. Remove transmission to bellhousing bolts (typically 6-8 bolts of varying lengths - note locations for reassembly). For manual transmission, the top two bolts may require access from engine compartment. Check for any remaining ground straps, brackets, or wiring that may interfere with removal.
7. 7

   Remove transmission from vehicle
   Carefully slide transmission rearward off input shaft and away from engine. Keep transmission level to prevent clutch disc from falling (manual) or torque converter from sliding out (automatic). Once input shaft clears clutch/flexplate, lower transmission at an angle to clear crossmember area. Guide transmission out from under vehicle. For manual transmission, if clutch disc falls, it must be reinstalled with alignment tool before transmission reinstallation.
8. 8

   Disassemble transmission front housing
   Clean exterior of transmission thoroughly. Mount transmission securely on workbench or transmission stand. Remove front bearing retainer bolts (typically 6-8 bolts around front of transmission). Carefully tap bearing retainer with dead blow hammer to break seal. Remove bearing retainer housing from transmission case. The input shaft bearing will remain on the input shaft or in the retainer housing.
9. 9

   Remove input shaft assembly
   Remove input shaft snap ring from inside front of transmission case using snap ring pliers. Carefully slide input shaft assembly forward and out of transmission case - note position of synchronizer sleeves and keep them oriented correctly. Remove clutch hub snap ring if present. Place input shaft in secure holding fixture or soft-jaw vise for bearing removal. Inspect input shaft splines, pilot bearing surface, and gear teeth for wear or damage.
10. 10

    Remove and replace input shaft bearing
    Using bearing puller or hydraulic press, remove input shaft bearing from shaft. Apply steady even pressure - bearing inner race must be supported properly to prevent shaft damage. Inspect bearing seat area on input shaft for scoring, burrs, or damage. Clean bearing seat thoroughly with solvent and lint-free cloth. Install new bearing using press or bearing driver, ensuring pressure is applied to inner race only. Press bearing until it seats against shoulder on input shaft. Install bearing retaining snap ring if equipped. Verify bearing rotates smoothly without binding or roughness.
11. 11

    Inspect and replace related components
    Replace input shaft seal in bearing retainer housing using seal driver. Inspect bearing retainer housing bore for wear or damage. Replace all gaskets and O-rings. Inspect pilot bearing in crankshaft for roughness or wear - replace if questionable using slide hammer puller and pilot bearing installer. For manual transmission, inspect clutch release bearing, clutch disc, pressure plate, and flywheel for wear - replace as needed since transmission is already removed.
12. 12

    Reassemble transmission front section
    Apply thin coat of the correct G56 manual transmission fluid (Mopar MS-9224 spec / equivalent synthetic 75W-85 GL-4) to input shaft bearing and seal lips. Carefully install input shaft assembly back into transmission case, ensuring synchronizer components remain properly positioned. Install input shaft retaining snap ring. Apply thin bead of RTV sealant to bearing retainer housing mating surface (if no gasket used, or use new gasket per manufacturer specification). Install bearing retainer housing onto transmission case, ensuring proper alignment. Install and hand-tighten all bearing retainer bolts, then tighten in criss-cross pattern to proper specification (consult service manual for specific torque value).
13. 13

    Reinstall transmission in vehicle
    Apply thin coat of high-temp grease to input shaft splines. For manual transmission, install clutch alignment tool to center clutch disc. Position transmission on transmission jack and raise into position. Carefully align input shaft with clutch disc (manual) or torque converter (automatic). Slide transmission forward onto engine, ensuring proper engagement. Install transmission to bellhousing bolts in original locations and tighten gradually in criss-cross pattern. Remove clutch alignment tool once transmission is partially installed.
14. 14

    Reconnect transfer case and complete assembly
    Clean transfer case to transmission mating surfaces. Install new gasket or apply RTV sealant as specified. Align transfer case input gear with transmission output shaft and slide transfer case into position. Install and tighten transfer case mounting bolts/nuts. Reinstall transmission crossmember and tighten mounting bolts. Remove engine support fixture. Reconnect all electrical connectors, ground straps, and hydraulic clutch line (bleed clutch system after refilling). Install shift tower assembly with new gasket/seal and tighten mounting bolts. Install driveshafts in original alignment positions and tighten all fasteners.
15. 15

    Refill fluids and final checks
    Refill transmission with approximately 4.4 quarts of the correct G56 manual transmission fluid (Mopar MS-9224 spec) through the fill plug until level with the fill hole. Refill transfer case with approximately 1.9 quarts ATF (per Mopar transfer case fluid specification), filling to the level of the fill plug hole. For manual transmission, bleed hydraulic clutch system at bleeder screw on slave cylinder until no air bubbles present. Reconnect battery cables, positive first then negative. Install skid plates and belly pans. Lower vehicle to ground. Start engine and verify no leaks at transmission, transfer case, or hydraulic connections. Test drive vehicle through all gears to verify proper operation and no abnormal noises from input shaft bearing area.

Reassembly

1. Tighten all fasteners to proper specifications using service manual torque values
2. Use new gaskets, seals, and O-rings throughout - do not reuse old seals
3. Apply threadlocker to bolts as specified in service manual
4. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated with locking tabs engaged
5. Verify driveshaft phasing marks are aligned to prevent vibration
6. Double-check that no tools or rags were left in transmission case during reassembly

Verification

• Check transmission and transfer case fluid levels with vehicle running on level ground
• Verify no fluid leaks from transmission, transfer case, driveshaft flanges, or hydraulic clutch line
• For manual transmission, verify clutch pedal has proper feel and full engagement/disengagement with no slipping
• Test drive vehicle and verify smooth shifting through all gears without grinding or binding
• Listen for any abnormal bearing noise from transmission input shaft area during operation
• Verify speedometer and backup lights function properly
• Recheck all fluid levels after test drive and top off as needed
• Verify 4WD engagement and disengagement functions properly without abnormal noises

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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