Ring Gear Backlash Measurement/Correction

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Dodge Charger and 2010 Chrysler 300. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Differential Ring Gear Backlash should be measured and adjusted after the following scenarios:

Ring and pinion gear replacement
Pinion head bearing replacement
Pinion depth (shim) adjustment
Differential case replacement
Differential side bearing replacement
Axle housing replacement
NOTE: If Spreader W-129-B is installed, make sure tension on axle housing is relieved.

Fig 1: Universal Spreader Adapter Plates & Spreader
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
Install Universal Spreader Adapter Plates 10113 (1), and Spreader W-129-B (2). Install a stud into the case in the location shown in illustration. Mount Clamp SP-5426 to the stud, and install Post SP-5425-B from Dial Indicator Set C-3339A into the Clamp SP-5426. Zero Metric Dial Indicator 9524 (3) in the location shown in illustration to measure axle housing spread.
Rotate ring gear one direction to take up clearance to pinion. Verify indicator tip is in contact with ring gear and zero indicator. Rotate ring gear back and forth and record measurement. Ring gear backlash should be 0.13-0.18 mm (0.005-0.007 in.). Verify back lash measurement in four positions.

Fig 2: Backlash Shim Correction
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
If backlash measurement is less than 0.13 mm (0.005 in.), it is necessary to decrease the snap ring thickness on the ring gear (left) side, and increase the thickness on the pinion (right) side.
If backlash measurement is greater than 0.18 mm (0.007 in.), it is necessary to increase the snap ring thickness on the ring gear (right) side, and decrease the thickness on the pinion (left) side.