Preliminary Inspection

^ Perform the following checks before disassembling the axle:
1. Remove the drain plug from the axle and drain the axle lubricant.
2. Check the ring gear backlash. This information can be used to determine the cause of the axle problem. It will also help when setting up the shim packs for locating and preloading the differential case.
3. Inspect the case for metal chips. Determine where the metal chips came from, such as a broken gear or bearing cage.
4. Determine the cause of the axle problem before disassembly if possible.