Backlash Adjustment

1. Install the differential case, bearing cups, spacers, and shims as determined from the SIDE BEARING PRELOAD ADJUSTMENT.
- Tap the final shim into position, using a soft faced hammer.
2. Rotate the case several times to seat the bearings.
3. Install a dial indicator to the case using a magnetic base.
4. Place the indicator stem at the heel end of a tooth.





- Set the dial indicator so the stem is in line with the gear rotation and perpendicular to the tooth angle.
5. Install the differential caps and bolts.
- Tighten the bolts to 80 Nm (60 ft. lbs.).
6. Check and record the backlash at three or four points around the ring gear.
- The pinion must be held stationary when checking backlash.
- The backlash should be the same at each point within 0.05 mm (0.002 inch). If the backlash varies more than 0.05 mm (0.002 inch), check for burrs, a distorted case flange, uneven bolting conditions, or foreign matter between the case and ring gear.
7. Backlash at the minimum lash point measured should be between 0.13 to 0.23 mm (0.005 to 0.009 inch) for all new gear sets.
8. If the backlash is not within specifications, move the ring gear in or out from the pinion by increasing the thickness of one shim, and decreasing the thickness of the other shim the same amount. This will maintain the correct axle side bearing preload.
- Moving 0.003 inch worth of shim from one side of the differential to the other will change the backlash adjustment by 0.002 inch.
9. Recheck the backlash and correct as necessary.