Adjustment of the Differential

If it is necessary to replace the cam gear, the right hand side gear, or the thrust block, the entire differential must be adjusted. The differential is adjusted using selective thickness thrust washers behind each side gear, and the selective thickness thrust washers between the thrust blocks.

When adjusting the differential, note the following:

• Build up the differential properly.

  The proper clearance between parts is critical to the operation of the unit.

• Adjust the backlash and thrust block clearance in the following order:
  1. The left side gear backlash
  2. The right side gear backlash
  3. The thrust block clearance
  Fig 1: Measuring LH Side Differential Gear Backlash

  Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.