Manual Purpose:
To provide in-depth technical guidance for the overhaul and repair of the Jeep AX15 manual transmission.
Manual Value Proposition:
Offers specialized, detailed knowledge for a critical drivetrain component often requiring expert attention, enabling cost-effective DIY repairs or informed professional service.
Key Feature 1:
Detailed component diagrams with part identification.
Key Feature 2:
Step-by-step overhaul procedures.
Key Feature 3:
Torque specifications and critical measurements.
Transmission Disassembly:
Complete step-by-step guide to disassembling the AX15 manual transmission.
Component Identification:
Detailed breakdown and identification of all internal transmission components (gears, synchros, bearings, seals, shift forks, etc.).
Inspection And Diagnosis:
Procedures for inspecting wear and damage on all internal components, common failure points, and diagnostic steps.
Cleaning And Reconditioning:
Recommendations for cleaning and reconditioning reusable transmission parts.
Reassembly:
Detailed instructions for reassembling the AX15 manual transmission with proper torque specifications and clearances.
Seals And Gaskets:
Specific guidance on replacing all seals and gaskets to prevent leaks.
Shift Mechanism:
Coverage of the internal shift linkage and synchronizer operation.
Bearings And Bushings:
Instructions for checking and replacing input shaft, output shaft, and countershaft bearings.
Troubleshooting:
Common transmission issues (grinding gears, popping out of gear, shifting difficulties) and their solutions.
Transmission Removal:
While the focus is overhaul, it often includes or assumes knowledge of transmission removal from the vehicle.
Transmission Installation:
Similar to removal, it may include or assume knowledge of transmission installation.
Special Tool Requirements:
Identification of any specialized tools needed for disassembly, assembly, and measurement.
Measurement And Tolerances:
Specifications for critical clearances and measurements (e.g., end play, backlash).
Clutch Release Mechanism:
Often includes inspection and servicing of the clutch release bearing and associated components.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive rebuild and overhaul, suitable for experienced DIY mechanics or professional technicians.
Engines Associated With Ax15:
Commonly found in Jeep models with engines such as 4.0L (242 cu in) Inline-6 and some 4.2L (258 cu in) Inline-6 variants.
Engine Performance Impact:
The AX15 is known for its robustness and suitability for torque-heavy applications, complementing the torque characteristics of Jeep's inline-6 engines.
Fuel System Type:
EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) typically used with the engines paired with the AX15.
Transmission Model:
AX15 (Advanced Xmission 15)
Related Transmissions In Jeep Lineup:
While this manual is AX15 specific, other Jeep transmissions exist (e.g., NP231, NP242 transfer cases, early AX5, later NV3550).
Gear Ratios Typical:
First Gear: 3.83:1, Second Gear: 2.09:1, Third Gear: 1.39:1, Fourth Gear: 1.00:1, Fifth Gear: 0.76:1, Reverse: 3.24:1 (ratios can vary slightly by application).
Torque Rating:
Rated for approximately 315 lb-ft of torque.
Fluid Type Recommendation:
Typically requires a high-quality manual transmission fluid, often a GL-3 or GL-4 rated gear oil. Exact specifications can vary by manufacturer's recommendation; consult specific vehicle service data for precise fluid type and viscosity (e.g., 75W-90 or 80W-90).
Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 2.5 quarts (2.4 liters).
Clutch Actuation:
Hydraulic clutch system.
Vehicle Applicability:
Jeep CJ models (typically CJ-7, CJ-8 Scrambler), Jeep Wrangler (YJ), Jeep Cherokee (XJ), Jeep Comanche (MJ), and some Jeep Grand Cherokee (ZJ) models equipped with the AX15.
Vehicle Applicability Interior:
N/A (manual focuses on transmission internals, not cabin dimensions).
Vehicle Applicability Cargo:
N/A (manual focuses on transmission internals, not cargo space).
Transmission Weight:
Approximately 120-150 lbs dry weight, depending on bell housing and accessories.
Vehicle Safety Ratings:
N/A (manual focuses on mechanical repair, not vehicle safety ratings).
Active Safety Features Related:
Properly functioning transmission is crucial for vehicle control, indirectly impacting safety.
Passive Safety Features Related:
N/A (manual focuses on mechanical repair, not passive safety systems).
Infotainment Systems:
N/A (manual focuses on mechanical transmission, not infotainment).
Driver Assistance Features:
N/A (manual focuses on mechanical transmission, not driver assistance systems).
Connectivity Features:
N/A (manual focuses on mechanical transmission, not connectivity features).
Fluid Change Interval:
Typically every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, or as recommended by the specific vehicle manufacturer. Inspection for leaks and level should be more frequent.
Recommended Fluid Viscosity:
75W-90 or 80W-90 GL-3/GL-4 manual transmission fluid. (Note: GL-5 is generally NOT recommended for transmissions with brass/bronze synchronizers as it can be corrosive).
Fluid Capacity:
2.5 US quarts (2.4 liters).
Transmission Fill Plug Location:
Side of the transmission case, typically midway up.
Transmission Drain Plug Location:
Bottom of the transmission case.
Common Wear Items:
Input shaft seal, output shaft seal, shift rail seals, pilot bearing, clutch release bearing, synchronizer rings (especially 2nd and 3rd gear), countershaft bearings.
Failure Modes:
Bearing failure leading to noise and potential catastrophic damage, worn synchros causing difficult shifting or popping out of gear, seal leaks.
Key Preventative Measures:
Regular fluid level checks and timely fluid changes with the correct fluid type. Addressing leaks promptly. Avoiding harsh shifting or excessive clutch wear.
Jeep Transmission Development:
Jeep has a long history of robust manual transmissions, often sourced from Aisin (part of Toyota group) for models like the AX15, known for durability in off-road conditions.
Ax15 Evolution And Use:
The AX15 replaced the older AX5 and SM465 (in some applications) and was used from the mid-1980s through the mid-1990s in various Jeep and Dodge trucks/SUVs. It was appreciated for its smoother shifting compared to some predecessors and its durability.
Ax15 Production Years:
Used approximately from 1988 to 1995/1996 in Jeep vehicles.
