Measuring Backlash
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2003 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003 GMC Envoy XL, 2003 GMC Envoy, 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer, and 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Install the J 8001
(1-4) so that the button contacts the outer edge of the pinion yoke.
Ensure that the plunger is at a right angle to the pinion yoke.
- Move the pinion yoke back and forth through the pinion yoke's free play while not allowing the ring gear to move.
- Record the dial indicator reading.
- To determine the actual backlash, divide the dial indicator reading by 2.
An actual dial indicator reading of 0.16 mm (0.006 in) means that there is actually 0.08 mm (0.003 in) backlash.
Specification
The backlash between the ring gear and the drive pinion should be between 0.08 - 0.25 mm (0.003-0.010 in) with a preferred specification of 0.13-0.18 mm (0.005-0.007 in).
IMPORTANT: When adjusting the backlash, observe the following:- Always turn the left and the right differential adjusters in equal amounts.
- Turning the differential adjusters in or out one notch will change the backlash about 0.08 mm (0.003 in).
- Once the proper backlash is obtained, turn the left differential adjuster in one additional notch in order to preload the differential case side bearings.
- If the backlash is too small, use the following procedure to adjust:
- Increase the backlash by turning the left differential adjuster in one notch and the right differential adjuster out one notch.
- Recheck the backlash and adjust as necessary.
- If the backlash is too large, use the following procedure to adjust:
- Decrease the backlash by turning the right differential adjuster in one notch and the left differential adjuster out one notch.
- Recheck the backlash and adjust as necessary.
- Once the proper backlash is obtained, turn the left differential adjuster in one additional notch using the J 42213 in order to preload the differential case side bearings.
- Recheck the backlash and adjust as necessary.