Differential Bearing Preload & Ring Gear Backlash
- With pinion depth set and pinion installed, place differential case and gear assembly with bearings and cups into carrier.
- Install a .265" (6.7 mm) shim on left (ring gear side) side of differential. Install left bearing cap finger tight.
- Choose largest shim that will fit with a slight drag and install it on right (pinion gear side) side of differential. Install right bearing cap and tighten all cap bolts to specification.
- Rotate gear assembly to ensure free operation. Check ring and pinion backlash. If backlash is less than specified, add .020" (.50 mm) to shim size on right side and subtract .020" (.50 mm) from shim size on left side.
- If backlash is still not within specifications, increase or decrease shim size where necessary to correct reading. See Fig 1 .
- Retighten bearing cap bolts and rotate gear assembly several times. Recheck backlash and correct as necessary. Increase both left and right shim sizes .006" (.15 mm) and reinstall for correct preload.
- Make sure shims are seated and gear assembly turns freely. Using marking compound, check gear tooth contact pattern.BACKLASH-TO-SHIM THICKNESS CONVERSION
Required Change In Backlash In. (mm) Change In Shim Thickness In. (mm) .001 (.025) .002 (.051) .002 (.051) .002 (.051) .003 (.076) .004 (.10) .004 (.10) .006 (.15) .005 (.13) .006 (.15) .006 (.15) .008 (.20) .007 (.18) .010 (.25) .008 (.20) .010 (.25) .009 (.23) .012 (.30) .010 (.25) .014 (.35) .011 (.28) .014 (.35) .012 (.30) .016 (.41) .013 (.33) .018 (.46) .014 (.35) .018 (.46) .015 (.38) .020 (.51)