Gears and Shafts
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.
- Clean the gears and shafts in solvent.
- The ring gear and pinion must be inspected for proper wear pattern.
- The end of the gear tooth farthest away from the center of the ring gear (1) is the heel end of the tooth.
- The end of gear tooth nearest to the center of the ring gear (2) is the toe end of the tooth.
- The side of the tooth that curves inward or is concave (3) is considered the coast side of the tooth.
- The side of the tooth that curves outward or is convex (4) is considered the drive side of the tooth.
- Inspect the pinion shaft for the following:
- Worn or damaged splines (1)
- Worn bearings (2)
- Wear, pitting, or discoloration by heat (3)
- Damaged threads (4)
- Worn or scored shaft (5)
- Inspect the bearings for a bent bearing cage.