Drive Pinion Height Adjusting Washer Selection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Infiniti QX56. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Drive gear and pinions are supplied in matched sets only. Matching numbers on both pinion and drive gear are etched for verification. If a new gear set is being used, verify the numbers of each pinion gear and drive gear before proceeding with assembly.

Fig 1: Adjusting Drive Gear And Drive Pinion Assembly
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
The mounting distance from the centerline of the drive gear to the back face of the pinion gear for the Model 205 axle assembly is 103.5 mm (4.0748 inches).
On the button end of each pinion, there is etched a plus (+) number, a minus (-) number, or a zero (0), which indicates the best running position for each particular gear set. This dimension is controlled by a selective shim between the inner pinion bearing race and pinion gear.

For example: If a pinion is etched m+8 (+3), it would require 0.08 mm (0.003 inch) less shim than a pinion etched "0". This means decreasing shim thickness; increases the mounting distance of the pinion to 103.6 mm (4.0778 inches). If a pinion is etched m+8 (-3), it would require adding 0.08mm (0.003 inch) more to the shim than would be required if the pinion were etched "0". By adding 0.08 mm (0.003 inch), the mounting distance of the pinion was decreased to 103.4 mm (4.0718 inches) which is just what m-8 (a-3) etching indicated.
To change the pinion adjustment, use different shims which come in different thickness.
Use the following tables as a guide for selecting the correct shim thickness to add or subtract from the old shim.

Fig 2: Pinion Marking Specification (English)
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

Fig 3: Pinion Marking Specification (Metric)
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.