Reduction Pinion Gear Bearing Preload

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

Remove transaxle case and final drive assembly from converter housing.
Select proper thickness of reduction pinion gear bearing adjusting shim using the following procedures.
1. Place reduction pinion gear on transaxle case as shown.
  
  Fig 1: Placing Reduction Pinion Gear On Transaxle Case
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
2. Place idler gear bearing on transaxle case.
3. Measure dimensions "B" "C" and "D" and calculate dimension "A".
  - A = D - (B + C)
  - "A": Distance between the surface of idler gear bearing inner race and the adjusting shim mating surface of reduction pinion gear.
  Fig 2: Measuring Dimensions
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  - Measure dimension "B" between the end of reduction pinion gear and the surface of transaxle case.
  - Measure dimension "B" in at least two places.
    
    Fig 3: Measuring Dimension "B" Between End Of Reduction Pinion Gear & Surface Of Transaxle Case
    Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  - Measure dimension "C" between the surface of idler gear bearing inner race and the surface of transaxle case.
  - Measure dimension "C" in at least two places.
    
    Fig 4: Measuring Dimension "C" Between Surface Of Idler Gear Bearing Inner Race & Surface Of Transaxle Case
    Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  - Measure dimension "D" between the end of reduction pinion gear and the adjusting shim mating surface of reduction pinion gear.
  - Measure dimension "D" in at least two places.
  - Calculate dimension "A".
    - A = D - (B + C)
    Fig 5: Measuring Dimension "D" Between End Of Reduction Pinion Gear & Adjusting Shim Mating Reduction Pinion Gear Surface
    Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
4. Measure dimension "E" between the end of idler gear and the idler gear bearing inner race mating surface of idler gear.
  - Measure dimension "E" in at least two places.
5. Select proper thickness of reduction pinion gear bearing adjusting shim.
  - Proper shim thickness = A - E - 0.05 mm (0.0020 in)*
  - (*: Bearing preload)
  - Reduction pinion gear bearing adjusting shim: Refer to " REDUCTION PINION GEAR BEARING ADJUSTING SHIMS ".
  Fig 6: Measuring Dimension "E" Between End Of Idler Gear & Idler Gear Bearing Inner Race Mating Surface
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Install reduction gear and reduction gear bearing adjusting shim selected in step 2-e on transaxle case.

Fig 7: Installing Reduction Gear & Reduction Gear Bearing Adjusting Shim In Transaxle Case
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Press idler gear bearing inner race on idler gear.
Press idler gear on reduction gear.
CAUTION: Press idler gear until idler gear fully contacts adjusting shim.
Tighten idler gear lock nut to the specified torque. Refer to "OVERHAUL ".
CAUTION: Lock idler gear with parking pawl when tightening lock nut.

Fig 8: Tightening Idler Gear Lock Nut To Specified Torque
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Measure turning torque of reduction pinion gear.
- When measuring turning torque, turn reduction pinion gear in both directions several times to seat bearing rollers correctly.
  - Turning torque of reduction pinion gear: 0.05 - 0.39 N.m (0.5 - 4.0 kg-cm, 0.43 - 3.47 in-lb)
- If turning torque is out of specification, decrease or increase thickness of reduction pinion gear bearing adjusting shim.
  
  Fig 9: Measuring Turning Torque Of Reduction Pinion Gear
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Fig 10: Identifying Idler Gear Lock Nut Dimension
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
After properly adjusting turning torque, clinch idler gear lock nut as shown.