Differential Assembly: Service and Repair: General Procedures

MEASURING BACKLASH








9. Using the special tool, measure the ring gear backlash.
- If the backlash is within specification, go to Backlash within specification. The specification shown is the full allowable range. For the preferred range, refer to Specifications.
- If a zero backlash condition occurs, go to Zero backlash.
- If the backlash is not within specification, go not within specification.

Zero backlash
10. If a zero backlash condition occurs, add 0.51 mm (0.020 inch) to the RH side and subtract 0.51 mm (0.020 inch) from the LH side to allow backlash indication. Check the backlash. Repeat Measuring backlash.

Backlash not within specification





11. To increase or decrease the backlash, remove the bearing caps and install a thicker shim or a thinner shim as shown.
- If the backlash is not within specification, correct by increasing the thickness of one differential bearing shim and decreasing the thickness of the other differential bearing shim by the same amount.





12. Rotate the differential several times to make sure the differential bearings are correctly seated.

Backlash within specification





13. Using the special tool, recheck the backlash.
- If the backlash is not within specification, go to Backlash not within specification.
- The specification shown is the full allowable range. For the preferred range, refer to Specifications.





14. Remove the bearing caps and bolts.
- To establish differential bearing preload, increase both left and right shim sizes by the specification shown in the illustration.
- Using the special tool, ensure the differential bearing shims are fully seated and the assembly turns freely.





15. Install the bearing caps and bearing cap bolts.





16. Using the special tool, recheck the backlash.
17. Install the axle shafts.