Cleaning & Inspection

1. Clean components in suitable solvent and blow dry with compressed air, noting the following:
a. Do not use brush when cleaning bearings.
b. Do not "spin dry" bearings as they will be damaged.
c. Lightly lubricate components after cleaning to retard corrosion.
d. Keep all components in order to ensure proper assembly.
2. Inspect gears for cracks, chipped or broken teeth, wear and scoring. Replace gears that are damaged or excessively worn. Ring gear and pinion must be replaced as an assembly.
3. Inspect differential case for cracks, damage, distortion, and worn or scored bearing and thrust surfaces. Replace case if damaged or scored.

Fig. 14 Differential case runout check:

4. Mount differential case along with side bearings in housing, adjust bearing preload to zero and check runout of case flange with suitable dial indicator. If runout exceeds 0.003 inch, case must be replaced.
5. Inspect axle housing for damaged or scored bearing bores, cracks, distortion, and damaged bearing adjuster threads. Ensure that housing is clean and free from burrs and foreign material.
6. Inspect bearing rollers and races for pitting, scoring, overheating and damage.
7. Mate each bearing with race and check operation.
8. Replace any bearing that is damaged, excessively worn, or that fails to operate smoothly.