Gear Tooth Nomenclature: Notes

The side of the ring gear tooth which curves outward, or is convex, is the drive side (4). The concave side is the coast side (3). The end of the tooth nearest the center of the ring gear is the toe end (2). The end of the tooth farthest away from the center is the heel end (1).

Fig 1: Applying Pattern Chemical Inspection
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
1. Apply the pattern inspection chemical Saturn P/N 1052351 to all of the teeth of the ring gear.
Fig 2: Installing Dial Indicator On Cover
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
2. Install the dial indicator on the cover at the top of the bearing bore. Preload the indicator and zero it out.
3. Install the J 44868  on the cover. See Special Tools .
4. Spread the cover while measuring the movement. Do not spread the cover more than 0.30-0.40 mm (0.012-0.016 in).
5. After the spread is reached, remove the dial indicator.
Fig 3: Tightening C-Clamp On Disc
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
IMPORTANT: Do not apply sealer to the housing or cover at this time.
6. Install the cover.
7. If a spread cover will not go over the shims and bearings, use a C-clamp and J 44856-10  . See Special Tools . Tighten the C-clamp on the disc. This will straighten out the shims and bearing races.
Fig 4: 4 (M8) Cover Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE in Cautions and Notices.
8. Install the 4 (M8) cover bolts and tighten in a criss-cross pattern.

   Tighten:  Tighten the cover bolts (M8) to 24 N.m (18 lb ft).

9. Remove the J 44868  . See Special Tools .
Fig 5: 4 (M10) Cover Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
10. Install 4 (M10) cover bolts and tighten in a criss-cross pattern.

    Tighten:  Tighten the cover bolts (M10) to 52 N.m (38 lb ft).

Fig 6: Removing J44864
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
11. Use J 44865  and an inch pound needle type torque wrench to check assembled rolling torque. See Special Tools . Torque should be 2-4 N.m (21-32 lb in).
Fig 7: Using J44865 & Breaker Bar
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
12. Use J 44865  and a breaker bar over the pinion shaft. See Special Tools .

    The axle preload must be applied to the gear set to perform the proper pattern inspection.

13. Install an axle shaft into the differential bore.
14. Hold the axle shaft with a gloved hand applying pressure while turning the pinion shaft 10 times in the clockwise direction and 10 times in the counterclockwise direction.
15. Remove the axle shaft.
Fig 8: Installing J44856-7 Into One Side Of Differential Axle Bore
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
16. Install J 44856-7  (2) into one side of the differential axle bore and tighten the nut to lock the tool in place. See Special Tools .
17. Attach the dial indicator to the housing. Measure from the line marked on J 44856-7  (2). See Special Tools . Zero out the dial indicator.
18. Install the J 44856-8  (1) in the opposite side axle bore. See Special Tools .
19. Use a speed handle to rotate the differential back and forth to measure the backlash. The backlash should be 0.125-0.225 mm (0.005-0.009 in).
Fig 9: Removing Rear Cover By Prying It Off At Pry Point Locations
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
IMPORTANT: Use the pry points only. Do not pry on the sealing surface.
IMPORTANT: The rear differential may come out with the cover.
20. Remove the rear cover bolts.
21. Remove the cover.
Fig 10: Observing Pattern On Ring Gear Teeth
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
22. Observe the pattern on the ring gear teeth. Compare the pattern with the following illustrations. Use the legend below:
    • (1) Toe
    • (2) Heel
    • (3) Coast Side, Concave
    • (4) Drive Side, Convex

Condition

• The backlash is correct.
• The pinion depth is incorrect. The pinion gear is too far away from the gear.