Tooth Contact

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.

NOTE: Checking the gear tooth contact pattern is necessary to verify that there is the correct tooth contact between the drive gear and the drive pinion.
Hypoid gears which are not positioned properly may be noisy or have a short service life. Check the gear tooth contact pattern to obtain the best contact for low noise and long service life.

Thoroughly clean the drive gear and drive pinion teeth.
Lightly apply a mixture of powdered ferric oxide and oil or the equivalent. Apply it to 3 or 4 teeth of the drive gear drive side.

Fig 1: Applying A Mixture Of Powdered Ferric Oxide And Oil To Teeth Of The Drive Gear Drive Side
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Use your hand to hold the companion flange steady and rotate the drive gear in both directions.

Fig 2: Using Your Hand To Hold Companion Flange Steady While Rotating Drive Gear
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Check the tooth contact as shown.

Fig 3: Checking Tooth Contact
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.