Adjustments Affecting Tooth Contact

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

There are 2 adjustments that affect the tooth contact pattern; backlash and drive pinion depth. The effects of bearing preloads are not readily apparent on hand-loaded tooth contact pattern tests. However, bearing preloads should be within the specifications before proceeding with the backlash and drive pinion adjustments.

Adjust the position of the drive pinion by increasing or decreasing the distance between the pinion head and the centerline of the ring gear. Decreasing the distance moves the pinion closer to the centerline of the ring gear. Increasing the distance moves the pinion farther away from the centerline of the ring gear.

Adjust the backlash by means of the side-bearing adjusting shims which move the case and ring gear assembly closer to, or farther from, the drive pinion. Also use the adjusting shims to set the side bearing preload.

If the thickness of the right shim is increased, along with an equal decrease in thickness of the left shim, backlash will increase.

If the thickness of the left shim is increased, along with an equal decrease in the thickness of the right shim, the backlash will decrease.