Differential Case Side Bearing Preload & Ring Gear Backlash Adjustment
- Install side bearing races on differential side bearings. Install ring gear on case assembly. Tighten bolts to specification. Install differential case in differential carrier.NOTE: For identification purposes, right bearing adjuster nut is on ring gear side of carrier. Left bearing adjuster nut is on pinion gear side of carrier.
- Install side bearing adjusters and bearing caps. Ensure adjusters are threaded properly. Align caps with mating marks made during disassembly. Tighten differential side bearing cap bolts initially to 11 ft. lbs. (15 N.m).
- Using a spanner wrench, turn adjusters inward until they lightly contact side bearing races. Rotate case assembly to seat bearings. Install dial indicator to differential case to measure ring gear to drive pinion backlash. See Fig 1
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NOTE: Tightening right adjuster nut moves ring gear into pinion gear to decrease backlash. Tightening left adjuster nut moves ring gear away from pinion gear to increase backlash. When moving adjuster nuts, make final movement in tightening direction to ensure correct side bearing preload.
- Tighten or loosen right adjuster nut until ring gear is fully engaged into pinion gear with backlash of .005-.007" (.13-.18 mm). Turn left adjuster amount equal to amount right adjuster was turned, but in opposite direction.
- To adjust bearing preload, tighten adjuster nuts using a spanner wrench. See Fig 2 . Tighten adjuster nuts with spanner wrench until correct side bearing preload is obtained. Adjusting nuts should be turned equally to maintain backlash.
- Side bearing preload is determined by measuring increase in drive pinion starting preload with differential case installed. See Fig 4 . Once side bearing preload is achieved, recheck ring gear backlash. Adjust as needed.
- Tighten differential side bearing caps to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Install bearing lock plates and tighten bolts to specification. Using marking compound, check gear tooth contact pattern. See GEAR TOOTH CONTACT PATTERNS article in GENERAL INFORMATION. Stake pinion flange nut.