Gear set, recommended adjustment sequence

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Audi A4, 2004 Audi A4, 2003 Audi A4, and 2002 Audi A4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

When ring gear and pinion shaft have to be adjusted, in the interests of a rational sequence, keep to the following order:

Fig 1: Recommended Sequence For Adjusting Gear Set

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Determine total shim thickness "Stotal" (S1 plus S2) for the specified preload of taper roller bearings for differential.
Determine total shim thickness "Stotal" (S3 plus S4) for the specified preload for taper roller bearings for drive pinion.
Distribute total shim thickness "Stotal" (S3 plus S4) so that the distance from center of ring gear to face of pinion shaft is the same as distance "R" determined during production.
Distribute total shim thickness "Stotal" (S1 plus S2) so that the specified backlash exists between ring gear and drive pinion.

The object of the adjustment is to reproduce the setting for quietest possible running, as obtained on the test machine in production. Maximum care and cleanliness are essential for achieving good results when performing repairs and taking measurements.