Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Cleaning & Inspection


1. Clean components in suitable solvent and blow dry with compressed air, noting the following:
a. Do not use brush when cleaning bearings.
b. Do not ``spin dry'' bearings, as bearings will be damaged.
c. Lightly lubricate components after cleaning to retard corrosion.
d. Keep all components in order to ensure proper assembly.
2. Inspect gears for cracks, chipped teeth, wear and scoring, and damaged bearing or mounting surfaces. Replace gears that are damaged or excessively worn. Ring gear and pinion must be replaced as an assembly.
3. Inspect differential case for cracks, damage, worn side gear bores and scored bearing surfaces and replace as needed.
4. Inspect housing for scored bearing mount surfaces, cracks and distortion, and replace as needed.
5. Inspect bearing rollers and races for pitting, scoring, overheating and damage.
6. Mate bearing with race and check operation.
7. Replace any bearing that is damaged, excessively worn or that fails to operate smoothly.
8. Mount differential case along with side bearings and ring gear in housing, and check runout with side bearings adjusted for zero preload and suitable dial indicator positioned against machined edge of ring gear.
9. If runout exceeds .003 inch, and gear cannot be repositioned to eliminate runout, ring gear and/or case should be replaced.