Tooth Contact Of HYPOID Gear

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Subaru Forester. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Adjust until correct teeth contact is obtained.
Check tooth contact, and perform the adjustment as follows.
- Tooth contact
  Check item: Tooth contact surface is slightly shifted toward the toe side under a no-load condition. (When driving, it moves towards the heel side.)
  
  Fig 1: Tooth Contact Pattern
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
- Face contact
  Check item: Backlash is too large.
  
  Contact pattern
  
  Fig 2: Face Contact Pattern
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  
  Corrective action: Tighten the side retainer to move the driven gear closer to the drive pinion shaft.
  
  Fig 3: Driven Gear Closer To Drive Pinion
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
- Flank contact
  Check item: Backlash is too small.
  
  Contact pattern
  
  Fig 4: Flank Contact Pattern
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  
  Corrective action: Loosen the side retainer to move the driven gear away from the drive pinion shaft.
  
  Fig 5: Adjusting Drive Pinion Height
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
- Toe contact (inside contact)
  Check item: Teeth contact area is too small.
  
  Contact pattern
  
  Fig 6: Toe Contact Pattern - Inside
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  
  Corrective action: Increase thickness of the drive pinion shim according to the procedures for moving the drive pinion away from the driven gear. Also tighten the side retainer to move the driven gear closer to the drive pinion shaft.
  
  Fig 7: Adjusting Drive Pinion Height
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
- Heel contact (outside end contact)
  Check item: Teeth contact area is too small.
  
  Contact pattern
  
  Fig 8: Heel Contact Pattern - Outside
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  
  Corrective action: Reduce thickness of the drive pinion shim according to the procedures for moving the drive pinion closer to driven gear. Also loosen the side retainer to move the driven gear away from the drive pinion shaft.
  
  Fig 9: Adjusting Drive Pinion Height
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.