Front Differential: Inspection
- Clean all parts in solvent. DO NOT spin bearings with air when drying. Remove any nicks or burrs that would prevent pinion seal from seating properly. Ensure bearing cap bores are free of nicks or burrs. Replace housing if cracks exist.
- Inspect drive pinion shaft for unusual wear. Inspect side and pinion gear teeth for wear, cracks, chips or scoring. Examine thrust washers for wear. Check fit of axle shafts in side gears. Inspect cage for cracks or scores. Inspect bearings for wear, noise and smooth rotation.
- Inspect drive pinion and ring gear teeth for wear, cracks, chips or scoring. Ring and pinion gears must be replaced as a set if either is defective. Inspect splines on drive pinion shaft and pinion flange for wear. Ensure sealing surface of pinion flange is free of defects which would cause damage to pinion oil seal.
- Measure clearance between pinion shaft and pinion gears. Measure clearance between side gears and differential cage. Mount axle shaft in soft-jawed vise. Install side gear onto axle shaft. Measure clearance between axle shafts and side gears. See FRONT DIFFERENTIAL CAGE CLEARANCE SPECIFICATIONS . Replace components as necessary.
FRONT DIFFERENTIAL CAGE CLEARANCE SPECIFICATIONS
| Application | In. (mm) | |
|---|---|---|
| Pinion Gear-To-Shaft | ||
| Standard Limit | .002-.005 (.05-.13) | |
| Wear Limit | .008 (.20) | |
| Side Gear-To-Cage | ||
| Standard Limit | .001-.004 (.03-.10) | |
| Wear Limit | .006 (.15) | |
| Side Gear-To-Axle | ||
| Standard Limit | .003-.014 (.08-.36) | |
| Wear Limit | .010 (.25) | |