Differential Assembly: Adjustments

Axle Ring and Pinion and Carrier Assembly

A number of adjustments involve the front drive axle:

For front wheel bearing adjustment, refer to Wheel Bearing. Adjustments

For caster and camber alignment adjustment, refer to Alignment. Service and Repair


To correctly assemble the ring and pinion and carrier assembly, the following procedures must be performed:
- Obtain correct pinion depth.
- Check pinion preload.
- Check total differential case travel from side to side.
- Determine correct differential preload and backlash shims.
- Check pinion and ring gear backlash.
- Confirm correct gear contact pattern using gear marking compound.

Adjustment of the differential bearings is accomplished by a selective shim between the differential bearing cup and carrier housing. The differential bearings are preloaded by the squeezing action of the carrier housing. A spreader must be used on the carrier to relieve the tension on the differential bearings and permit removal or installation of the differential.