Differential Side Bearing Preload Measurement/Correction

Differential side bearing preload should be measured and adjusted after the following scenarios:

• Differential case replacement
• Differential side bearing replacement
• Axle housing replacement
• Loss or replacement of side bearing snap rings

If none of these situations apply, refer to RING GEAR BACKLASH MEASUREMENT/CORRECTION 

Fig 1: Spreader Adapters 9226

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1. Install Spreader Adapter Plates 9226 (1).
   Fig 2: Spreader W-129-B Installed

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
2. Mount axle housing to Spreader W-129-B (1)
   Fig 3: Measuring Carrier Spread

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
3. Set up Dial Indicator Set C-3339-A as shown in Fig 3 to measure axle housing spread:
   • Clamp SP-5426 (1)
   • Post SP-5425-B (2)
   • Metric Dial Indicator 9524 (3)
   Fig 4: Expanding/Contracting W-129-B Spreader

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
4. If differential side bearing cups and snap rings are already removed at this point, skip to Step 8. Otherwise, expand spreader (1) to spread axle housing no more than 0.30 mm (0.012 in.).
   Fig 5: Snap Ring Removal/Installation

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
5. Remove both differential side bearing snap rings (1). Tag snap ring to ensure replacement to original position.
   Fig 6: Measuring Side Bearing Snap Ring

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
6. Measure and record snap ring (2) thickness for later use.
   Fig 7: Expanding/Contracting W-129-B Spreader

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
7. Relax spreader (1) to relieve tension on axle housing.
   Fig 8: Snap Ring Removal/Installation

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
8. Install right (pinion) side bearing cup and snap ring (1).
   Fig 9: Expanding/Contracting W-129-B Spreader

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
9. Zero dial indicator.
10. Expand spreader (1) to spread axle housing no more than 0.30 mm (0.012 in.).
    Fig 10: Snap Ring Removal/Installation

    Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
11. Install left (ring gear) side bearing cup and snap ring (1).
    Fig 11: Expanding/Contracting W-129-B Spreader

    Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
12. Relax spreader (1) to relieve tension on axle housing.
    Fig 12: Measuring Carrier Spread

    Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
13. Measurement showing on indicator (3) is the axle housing retained spread. Proper differential side bearing preload is achieved with an axle housing retained spread of 0.11-0.17 mm (0.004-0.007 in.).
14. If retained spread is less than 0.11 mm (0.004 in.), increase snap ring thickness at each side in equal increments.
15. If retained spread is greater than 0.17 mm (0.007 in.), decrease snap ring thickness at each side in equal increments.