Inspection

1. Wash bearings in solvent, then inspect bearings for wear, separation, cracks, seizure or other abnormal conditions. Replace bearings as necessary.
2. Check ring gear and drive pinion teeth for wear, chipping, cracks, pitting and abnormal contact. Check drive pinion splines for cracks, distortion or step wear. Replace parts as necessary. Ring gears and pinions are available only in matched sets. If either component requires replacement, both parts must be replaced.
3. Check pinion gears and side gears for wear, chipped teeth and separation. Replace parts as necessary.
4. Check and replace thrust blocks for wear.
5. Check lockpin for bending, dents or other abnormal conditions. Replace parts as necessary.
6. Check side gear to axle shaft fit. Also check fit of pinion shaft to pinion gears.
7. Inspect contact surfaces between side gears and differential case, and between ring gear and case.