Rear Drive Axle Description and Operation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Cadillac CTS. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The differential housing, side cover and pinion housing are constructed of cast aluminum. The internal components incorporate a hypoid gear set, ring and pinion, carrier assembly and pinion housing assembly. The pinion is supported in a pinion housing by tapered roller bearings. The pinion is positioned forward of the ring gear centerline. All models have a 7 5/8 inch ring gear. Each ring gear has specific setup dimensions, A1 and A2 values, stamped onto the side area of the gear. The A1 and A2 values are unique to each ring gear/pinion and are determined during the manufacturers gear/pinion noise and vibration setup and testing.
Pinion position, ring gear position and carrier bearing preload are determined by shimming procedures.