Transmission Output Shaft Bearing

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the transmission output shaft bearing, requiring transmission removal from the vehicle.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission output shaft bearing × 1 — Use OEM specification for bearing type (typically tapered roller bearing)
• Output shaft seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transfer case gasket/seal kit × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission filter (if applicable) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• RTV silicone sealant (transmission-safe) × 1 — Use OEM specification or Mopar equivalent

Fluids

• ATF+4 automatic transmission fluid — 20 qt
• ATF+4 transfer case fluid — 3 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect both battery cables, negative first
3. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
4. Remove skid plates and belly pans if equipped
5. Place drain pan under transmission and drain fluid from pan
6. Remove rear driveshaft and mark position for reinstallation
7. Remove front driveshaft from transfer case and mark position
8. Install engine support fixture or chain hoist to support engine weight

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect transmission electrical and mechanical connections
   Disconnect transmission wiring harness connectors including output speed sensor, governor pressure solenoid/transducer connector, throttle valve/lockup solenoid connectors, and transmission range/neutral safety switch. Verify all connectors match your specific transmission before proceeding. Disconnect transmission cooler lines and cap openings. Remove shift cable from transmission lever and bracket. Disconnect any vacuum lines present.
2. 2

   Remove transfer case from transmission
   Support transfer case with transmission jack or separate jack. Remove transfer case-to-transmission mounting bolts (typically 6 bolts). Carefully slide transfer case rearward off transmission output shaft. Lower transfer case from vehicle and set aside on clean surface. Inspect transfer case input shaft and bearing condition.
3. 3

   Remove transmission crossmember and support
   Support transmission securely with transmission jack positioned at pan rail. Remove transmission mount-to-crossmember fasteners. Remove crossmember-to-frame bolts and remove crossmember from vehicle. Verify transmission jack is secure and transmission weight is fully supported.
4. 4

   Remove torque converter access cover and secure converter
   Remove dust cover from bellhousing. Mark torque converter-to-flexplate position with paint marker. Remove torque converter-to-flexplate bolts by rotating engine crankshaft to access each bolt through access opening. Install converter retention strap or wire to prevent converter from sliding out during transmission removal.
5. 5

   Separate transmission from engine
   Remove all bellhousing-to-engine block bolts. Verify all electrical connections, cooler lines, and linkages are disconnected. Carefully slide transmission rearward on jack, ensuring torque converter remains with transmission. Lower transmission from vehicle once clear of engine. Place transmission on sturdy workbench with output shaft accessible.
6. 6

   Remove transmission extension housing
   With transmission on bench, remove the transfer case adapter housing bolts (4WD applications use an adapter housing rather than a 2WD extension housing). Carefully tap the adapter housing to break the seal. Slide the adapter housing rearward off the output shaft. Remove and discard the adapter housing gasket/seal. Inspect housing for cracks or damage.
7. 7

   Access output shaft bearing assembly
   Remove output shaft snap ring using snap ring pliers. Inspect output shaft splines and seal surface for damage. Note position and orientation of bearing assembly, spacers, and any shims present. Take photographs for reference during reassembly.
8. 8

   Remove output shaft bearing
   Use appropriate bearing puller to remove output shaft bearing from shaft. If bearing inner race remains on shaft, use bearing splitter and puller to remove. For bearing outer race in housing, use slide hammer with internal puller attachment or press out from inside. Inspect shaft bearing surface for scoring, pitting, or wear. Measure shaft diameter at bearing location with micrometer to verify within specification.
9. 9

   Install new output shaft bearing
   Clean bearing mounting surfaces thoroughly. Inspect new bearing for damage and verify correct part number. Install bearing inner race onto output shaft using appropriate bearing driver and press or carefully drive with dead blow hammer ensuring square installation. Install outer race into housing bore using bearing driver sized for outer race diameter. Ensure bearing seats fully against shoulder in housing.
10. 10

    Verify bearing installation and preload
    Install any spacers or shims in original positions. Install output shaft snap ring ensuring it seats fully in groove. Check bearing end play with dial indicator if available - typical specification is 0.001-0.003 inches. Rotate output shaft by hand to verify smooth bearing operation without binding or roughness.
11. 11

    Reinstall extension housing
    Install new output shaft seal in extension housing using seal driver, ensuring seal lip faces inward. Apply thin bead of RTV sealant to extension housing mating surface or install new gasket per manufacturer specification. Carefully slide extension housing over output shaft, avoiding damage to seal. Install extension housing bolts and tighten in star pattern to manufacturer specification (typically 20-30 ft-lbs).
12. 12

    Reinstall transmission into vehicle
    Place transmission on transmission jack and raise into position. Align torque converter hub with crankshaft and ensure converter is fully seated in pump (recessed approximately 1/2 inch from bellhousing face). Slide transmission forward onto engine dowel pins. Install all bellhousing-to-engine bolts and tighten to specification (verify against Mopar service data for this platform, typically approximately 50 ft-lbs).
13. 13

    Install torque converter and crossmember
    Align marks on torque converter and flexplate. Install torque converter-to-flexplate bolts and tighten to specification (verify against Mopar service data for 48RE, typically approximately 35 ft-lbs). Install transmission crossmember and mounting bolts. Install transmission mount and tighten fasteners. Remove transmission jack once all mounts are secure.
14. 14

    Reinstall transfer case
    Install new transfer case gasket or seal. Lubricate transfer case input shaft with ATF+4. Raise transfer case into position and align with transmission output shaft. Slide transfer case onto output shaft ensuring full engagement. Install transfer case mounting bolts and tighten in star pattern to specification (typically 20-26 ft-lbs).
15. 15

    Reconnect all components and refill fluids
    Reconnect all transmission electrical connectors, shift cable, and vacuum lines. Install transmission cooler lines with new O-rings and tighten fittings. Install front and rear driveshafts aligning reference marks. Install torque converter dust cover. Refill transmission with ATF+4 through dipstick tube (verify capacity against 48RE service data; full dry fill including converter is approximately 17-18 quarts). Refill transfer case with ATF+4 per capacity spec (NV273 typically approximately 2 quarts). Reinstall skid plates and belly pans.

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to manufacturer specifications using proper sequence
2. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
3. Verify driveshaft U-joint caps are properly retained and phasing is correct
4. Double-check transmission fluid level with engine running in Park after reaching operating temperature
5. Inspect for leaks at extension housing, transfer case, and cooler line connections

Verification

• Reconnect battery cables (positive first, then negative)
• Start engine and verify no unusual noises from transmission or transfer case area
• With engine at idle in Park, check transmission fluid level and add if necessary to bring to proper mark on hot range
• Perform test drive including all gear ranges and both 2WD and 4WD operation
• Verify smooth shifting with no slippage, binding, or unusual vibrations
• Recheck all fluid levels after test drive and inspect for leaks
• Listen for bearing noise at various speeds - a properly installed bearing should be silent
• Verify 4WD engagement and disengagement operates normally

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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