Adjustments Affecting Tooth Contact

Two adjustments can be made which will affect the tooth contact pattern. These are backlash and pinion depth. The effects of bearing preloads are not easily seen on hand loaded teeth pattern tests. These adjustments should be within specifications before proceeding with the backlash and the drive pinion adjustments.

It may be necessary to adjust both pinion depth and backlash to obtain the correct pattern.

The position of the drive pinion is adjusted by increasing or decreasing the shim thickness between the pinion head and the inner race of the rear bearing. The shim is used in the differential to compensate for manufacturing tolerances. Increasing the shim thickness will move the pinion closer to the centerline of the ring gear.

Backlash is adjusted by the side bearing adjusting sleeves which move the case and ring gear assembly closer to, or further from the drive pinion. (The adjusting sleeves are also used to set side bearing preload). To increase backlash, turn the left sleeve in and turn the right sleeve out an identical amount. To decrease backlash, turn the right sleeve in and turn the left sleeve out an identical amount.





Important: The contact pattern should be located in the middle of the ring gear teeth face.