Gear Contact Pattern
NOTE:
The ring gear and pinion teeth contact patterns will show if the pinion depth is correct in the housing. It will also show if the ring gear backlash has been adjusted correctly. The backlash can be adjusted within specifications to achieve desired tooth contact patterns.
- Install the differential side bearings and pinion bearings.
- Install the selected differential bearing and pinion shims in the differential housing and cover, and install the bearing cups.
- Install the differential carrier and pinion in the differential housing.
- Apply a thin coat of hydrated ferric oxide or equivalent to the drive and coast side of the ring gear teeth.
- Install the differential housing cover. Tighten the bolts to 28 Nm (20 ft. lbs.).
- Make a witness mark on the differential carrier.
- Hold the differential case from freely rotating. This will provide a more distinct contact pattern.
- Rotate the pinion until the witness mark on the differential case has made one complete revolution in both directions.
- Note and compare patterns on the ring gear teeth to Gear Tooth Contact Patterns chart and adjust pinion depth and gear backlash as necessary. The areas on the ring gear teeth with the greatest degree of contact against the pinion teeth will push the compound to the areas with the least amount of contact.