Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here XJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.

neutral safety switch removal tricks

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 09-14-2011, 05:17 PM
  #1  
Member
Thread Starter
 
mideerslayer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Burbs of detroit
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default neutral safety switch removal tricks

Is there any tricks to getting it off, I tried the trick of leaving the nut on and prying it off, well the nut stripped under force.

I have used pb blaster on the shaft and it (the nss) is spinning on the shaft but will not come off.

I am trying to get it off in one piece so i can clean it and put it back on.

It seems that the thing is almost welded onto the shaft


Any tricks will be great and also with that shaft being stripped will it be ok that that nut doesnt go back on?

Thanks

Rich
Old 09-14-2011, 05:39 PM
  #2  
Seasoned Member
 
Nor-CalJeeper's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Modesto
Posts: 379
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 high output straight 6
Default

I just rebuilt my NSS it was a pita to get off I just used a big screwdriver towards the front of the NSS and lightly and slowly rocked it back and forth putting pressure on the NSS.

It took awhile but it finally came off, then i tore it down , cleaned it and rebuilt with dielectric grease.

One tip when you reinstall, The shaft you reinstall it onto pushes out of the other side of the transmission slightly which causes the nss to bind up the shifter inside the XJ making it hard to shift. The trick is to wrap your arm to the shift linkage on the drivers side of the tranny and push in on it to hold it in place then take a screwdriver handle and tape the nss back onto the shaft until it is FULLY seated against the tranny then tighten the adjustment bolt back down.

as for the shaft nut, you could probably get away with not running it it is only supposed to be lighlty tightened anyways.
Old 09-14-2011, 05:45 PM
  #3  
Senior Member
 
bobvalli's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 501
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Year: 98
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0l
Default

Originally Posted by mideerslayer
Is there any tricks to getting it off, I tried the trick of leaving the nut on and prying it off, well the nut stripped under force.

I have used pb blaster on the shaft and it (the nss) is spinning on the shaft but will not come off.

I am trying to get it off in one piece so i can clean it and put it back on.

It seems that the thing is almost welded onto the shaft


Any tricks will be great and also with that shaft being stripped will it be ok that that nut doesnt go back on?

Thanks

Rich
I think the nut is gonna be kinda key to getting the NSS off. Maybe re-thread the collar with a hair smaller die? Then use a new smaller nut as a leverage point. Also some heat probably wouldn't hurt.

Maybe the attached pic will be some help
Attached Images  
Old 09-14-2011, 05:49 PM
  #4  
Member
 
Squid's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Model: Cherokee
Default

everything u need to know right here
http://bc4x4.com/tech/2010/jeep-neut...ty-switch-nss/
Old 07-09-2012, 03:48 PM
  #5  
Newbie
 
fishnchipz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Charleston, S.C.
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: '97
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Straight Six
Default Did you remove the 12mm mounting bolt...? I didn't first time..!!

Just did mine on one I pulled from the local junk yard.. The nut is DEF the key in getting it off, but don't forget there IS also another bolt, 12mm, that you have to remove from the case.. Mounting bolt ya know..?

Old 08-09-2012, 10:28 PM
  #6  
Newbie
 
Candorich's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: florida
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 L 6 cyclinder FI
Default

THX for the link....will be trying it soon....currently just missing backup lights....already been thru the no-start which was a CPS problem.
Old 08-09-2012, 10:45 PM
  #7  
CF Veteran
 
F1Addict's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: SoCal
Posts: 2,381
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Use wood door shims (Home Depot, Lowes), two at the top, two at the bottom. Tap them in evenly between the NSS and trans housing, work in a circular motion and tap the output shaft with a urethane hammer after each complete revolution (or with a regular hammer but put a shim over the end of the shaft so you don't mess up the threads)

It's not difficult to crack the NSS housing, especially when prying on it with a screw driver. There are countless obscenity-strewn accounts right here on CF. The shim technique works, just be patient.

EDIT: I just read that BC4x4 write-up and they recommend prying on the nut. I wouldn't do that. The hollow threaded pinch-shaft is made of aluminum and breaks easily. Many people have tried this only to have the nut pop off, taking those soft aluminum threads with it. NSS = Toast.

Last edited by F1Addict; 08-09-2012 at 10:50 PM.
Old 08-10-2012, 06:45 AM
  #8  
::CF Moderator::
 
cruiser54's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Prescott, Az
Posts: 43,872
Received 1,526 Likes on 1,238 Posts
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by F1Addict
Use wood door shims (Home Depot, Lowes), two at the top, two at the bottom. Tap them in evenly between the NSS and trans housing, work in a circular motion and tap the output shaft with a urethane hammer after each complete revolution (or with a regular hammer but put a shim over the end of the shaft so you don't mess up the threads)

It's not difficult to crack the NSS housing, especially when prying on it with a screw driver. There are countless obscenity-strewn accounts right here on CF. The shim technique works, just be patient.

EDIT: I just read that BC4x4 write-up and they recommend prying on the nut. I wouldn't do that. The hollow threaded pinch-shaft is made of aluminum and breaks easily. Many people have tried this only to have the nut pop off, taking those soft aluminum threads with it. NSS = Toast.
I like this method the best.
Old 04-15-2019, 03:59 PM
  #9  
Newbie
 
Tom Patrick's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Default

I used the link that you gave and it was by far the best guide that I found on the net
Old 04-16-2019, 05:12 AM
  #10  
awg
CF Veteran
 
awg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,211
Received 605 Likes on 515 Posts
Year: 96
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by Tom Patrick
I used the link that you gave and it was by far the best guide that I found on the net
The thing I cannot stress enough, which the article does not..be VERY thoughtful on the prying...the rear of the switch is plastic

20+yr old plastic gets brittle with heat cycles

my method, I only pry carefully enough to get it started, then work back & forth on the shaft, lubed, and preferably with gloved fingers
(dang that sounds all wrong..u know what I mean!)

If you pry hard with a screwdriver when its half out, especially unevenly, you are at risk of cracking the plastic

I set the trans in neutral, and mark switch position b4 commence
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
NM-XJ
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
18
10-23-2018 04:21 PM
aroundincircles
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
5
10-06-2015 11:12 AM
Jared Hall
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
2
09-07-2015 08:56 AM
shotseven
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
0
09-06-2015 03:06 PM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


Quick Reply: neutral safety switch removal tricks



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:07 PM.