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Home >> Mazda >> 2002 >> Tribute LX, 4WD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 37 (Automatic Transaxle - Overhaul [FN4A-El]) >> Transaxle Reassembly >> Adjustments >> Differential Assembly Bearing Preload

Differential Assembly Bearing Preload

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  1. Remove bearing outer race and adjustment shims from converter case. Mount differential assembly in transaxle housing. Install bearing outer race on differential bearing. Place differential on shim selector gauge from Shim Selector Tool Set (49 B019 0A3). Mount selector gauge on differential assembly. See Fig 1. Eliminate gap by turning collars "A" and "B" of shim selector gauge.
  2. Mount 6 Spacing Collars (49 G019 033) on transaxle case. See Fig 2. Mount converter housing onto spacing collars. Tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
  3. Using bars on collars "A" and "B" of selector, turn selector in a direction which widens gap between "A" and "B" of selector. See Fig 1. Turn selector (to widen gap) until it no longer turns. This will seat bearing race. Turn selector in opposite direction (reducing gap) until preload is eliminated.
  4. Insert adapter into differential until it contacts pinion shaft. Measure preload (turning torque) with torque wrench. See Fig 3. Widen gap on selector gauge to obtain 12-20 INCH lbs. (1.4-2.3 N.m) reading.
  5. Measure clearance between "A" and "B" of selector gauge when specified preload is obtained. Measure clearance around entire circumference and select shims equal to maximum clearance measured. Shims range in thickness of 0.020-0.061" (0.50-1.55 mm) in increments of 0.002" (0.05 mm).
  6. Remove converter housing and selector. Install required amount of shims and press bearing race into converter housing. Install converter housing. Tighten bolts to specified torque. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Check differential bearing preload (turning torque). Using torque wrench, preload should be 12-20 INCH lbs. (1.4-2.3 N.m). If preload is not within specification, repeat measuring and adjusting procedure (as necessary). Remove converter housing.
Fig 1: Installing Selector Gauge On Differential Assembly
G00030723Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Fig 2: Positioning Collars On Transaxle Case
G00024946Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Fig 3: Measuring Differential Side Bearing Preload (Turning Torque)
G00024947Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.