Differential Side Bearing Preload

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Nissan Sentra. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

When adjusting differential side bearing preload, select adjusting shim for differential side bearing. To select adjusting shim, measure clearance "L" between transaxle case and differential side bearing outer race.
Calculate dimension "L" (thickness of adjusting shim) using the following procedure to meet specification of preload for differential side bearing.

Fig 1: Identifying Dimension L
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
1. Preload : 0.15 - 0.21 mm (0.0059 - 0.0083 in)
  1. Dimension "L" = (L ₁ - L ₂ )+ Preload
    1. L : Thickness of adjusting shim
    2. L ₁ : Distance between clutch housing case end face and mounting face of adjusting shim
    3. L ₂ : Distance between differential side bearing and transaxle case
      Adjusting Shim
      
      Fig 2: Identifying Adjusting Shims & Thicknesses For Adjusting Dimension L
      Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

Using dial gauge and scale, measure dimension "L1" between clutch housing case end face and mounting face of adjusting shim.
Install outer race onto differential side bearing on final gear side. Holding the outer race horizontally by hand, rotate final gear five times or more (for smooth movement of bearing roller).

Fig 3: Measuring Dimension L1
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Using dial gauge and scale as shown in the figure, measure dimension "L2 " between differential side bearing outer race and transaxle case end face.

Fig 4: Measuring Dimension L2
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Install selected adjusting shim and then differential side bearing outer race.

Fig 5: Installing Selected Adjusting Shim(s)
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.