Rear Axle Total Backlash Check

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Required Special Tools:

MB992113: Drive pinion holder.

Place the gearshift lever or selector lever in the Neutral position, pull the parking brake lever, and then raise the vehicle using a jack.
Remove the propeller shaft (Refer to PROPELLER SHAFT ).
Remove the electronic control coupling (Refer to ELECTRONIC CONTROL COUPLING ).
Install special tool drive pinion holder (MB992113) to the drive pinion. Lightly push the special tool to the left to eliminate free play between the drive pinion serration and the special tool and then put a mark on the flange.

Fig 1: Installing Special Tool Drive Pinion Holder (MB992113) To Drive Pinion
Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
Rotate the special tool clockwise until it stops, and then put a mark on the flange. Measure the distance between the marks.
Limit: 5 mm (0.2 inch)
If the backlash exceeds the limit, remove the differential carrier assembly and check the following.
- Drive gear backlash (Refer to DISASSEMBLY )
- Differential gear backlash (Refer to DISASSEMBLY )
  
  Fig 2: Rotating Special Tool Clockwise
  Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.