So replaced cv shafts on the CRD last weekend. I now have an odd front end noise. Checked front end and noticed the passenger side CV is loose where it connects to the intermediate shaft in the diff.
Tonight I removed new shaft and inspected. Splines looked good. I kept the old shafts and so I installed old shaft back shaft. Still loose but not as bad.
I get that its not suppose to be loose but is it normal for that intermediate shaft to go bad?
80 bucks on Amazon so not bad if I have to replace it but just would like some thoughts from you guys...

Cody,

So the new needle bearing that replaced the bushing still leaves a lose fit on the intermediate axle? I am expecting the same from mine..
I'm guessing my housing is now egg shaped . Inside mic will tell this.
If this happens I'm turning this CRD into 2WD

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2005 Jeep Liberty CRD Limited
Build Date May '05
OME lift kit
Samco hoses
Weeks Stage 1
PMF EGR plug kit
ARP Stud
Cracked CAC repaired with epoxy filler

I just replaced the needle bearings and they are good. The shaft is tight in the housing. Its where the splines on the cv and the intermediate shaft is where i have play.

After some research I think the noise may be a sway bar link not seated properly. But after checking the front end I just happened to notice the looseness I described. I never checked this before so just wanted some opinions.

This was my weak point too. The new intermediate shaft and axle I have are tight. I am in hopes that the bearing will get me w/i spec again.

The "wiggle" your are describing got worse with mine to the point that the wear and vibration were unbearable.

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2005 Jeep Liberty CRD Limited
Build Date May '05
OME lift kit
Samco hoses
Weeks Stage 1
PMF EGR plug kit
ARP Stud
Cracked CAC repaired with epoxy filler

According to my local transmission and axle shop, the needle bearings were discontinued after a few years due to extremely high failure and replaced with the plastic bushing (in the outer portion of the housing behind the seals).


You'll always have play where the CV axle meets the intermediate but if the splines are worn too much, the CV will rub the steel outer frame on the passenger side of the diff tube. If there is any perceivable wear on the portion of the intermediate shaft at the point in which the bearing/bushing rides, it's bad and needs to be replaced.

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2020 Ram 1500 CC Ecodiesel Limited
1995 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4, 5.9 Cummins, 47RH, Reg Cab
2005 Liberty CRD,fixed the rockers and a couple more things,GDE Hot tune,Weeks Stage 1 and 2 EGR delete,Hot Diesel solutions Tstat assembly(wonderful heat!), ARP studs, OME 1.5" lift.....thanks Seth! (Sold)
2006 Liberty CRD....The Moose Hit

'Neither of my '05 CRDs have plastic bushings in the passenger side of the intermediate axle shaft housing. The material is some sort of wear metal. It isn't plastic.

_________________
2005 Jeep Liberty CRD Limited
Build Date May '05
OME lift kit
Samco hoses
Weeks Stage 1
PMF EGR plug kit
ARP Stud
Cracked CAC repaired with epoxy filler

I thought my 05 CRD and 05 gasser had bronze bushings with oil slots but when I used a slide hammer to pull them out, one disentigrated and one came out whole. They both had plastic bushings that I would have sworn were metal before disassembly.

Have you actually removed yours?

_________________
2020 Ram 1500 CC Ecodiesel Limited
1995 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4, 5.9 Cummins, 47RH, Reg Cab
2005 Liberty CRD,fixed the rockers and a couple more things,GDE Hot tune,Weeks Stage 1 and 2 EGR delete,Hot Diesel solutions Tstat assembly(wonderful heat!), ARP studs, OME 1.5" lift.....thanks Seth! (Sold)
2006 Liberty CRD....The Moose Hit