Pinion and Ring Gear Inspection
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 GMC Sierra, 2004 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2004 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2004 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Ring and pinion gears are matched sets. When replacement of one or the other is necessary, both the ring and pinion gear must be replaced.
- Check the pinion and ring gear teeth for cracking, chipping, scoring, or excessive wear.
- Check the pinion gear splines for wear.
- Check the pinion flange/yoke splines for wear.
- Check the fit of the pinion gear splines on the pinion flange/yoke.
- Check the sealing surface of the pinion flange/yoke for nicks, burrs or rough tool marks that could damage the seal and cause an oil leak.
- Check for worn or broken parts and replace as necessary.