Ring Gear & Pinion Backlash

Check backlash with a dial indicator mounted to axle housing at four locations around ring gear. Variation should not exceed 0.002". If backlash is not correct (see specifications ), adjust side bearing, shims as necessary. After all adjustments have been completed, tighten all bolts, then make a tooth contact pattern check to insure correct assembly.

ADJUSTMENT SPECIFICATIONS

Application

Specification

Pinion Bearing Preload⁽¹⁾

Buick

New Bearings

20-25 INCH Lbs.

Used Bearings

10-15 INCH Lbs.

Cadillac, Oldsmobile

New Bearings

24-32 INCH Lbs.

Used Bearings

8-12 INCH Lbs.

Chevrolet (Exc. Chevette & Corvette)

New Bearings

15-30 INCH Lbs.

Used Bearings

10-15 INCH Lbs.

Chevette

New Bearings

15-25 INCH Lbs.

Used Bearings

5-10 INCH Lbs.

Corvette

New Bearings

15-35 INCH Lbs.

Used Bearings

5-10 INCH Lbs.

Pontiac

New Bearings

35-40 INCH Lbs.

Used Bearings

20-25 INCH Lbs.

Side Bearing Preload

All Models

⁽²⁾Slip Fit Plus.008"

Ring Gear Backlash

Buick, Pontiac

.006-.008"

Cadillac, Corvette & Oldsmobile

.005-.009"

Chevrolet (Exc. Corvette)

.005-.008"

⁽¹⁾	Measured with new seal without ring gear installed.

⁽²⁾	Add.004" to each side to preload bearings (exc. Corvette). For Corvette: Add.009" to right side and subtract.005" from left side.

TIGHTENING SPECIFICATIONS

Application		Ft. Lbs.
Ring Gear-to-Case Bolt
	Buick, Pontiac	80
	Cadillac, Chevrolet, Oldsmobile	90
	Chevette	48
	Corvette	45-60
Bearing Cap Bolt
	Buick, Chevrolet, Pontiac	60
	Cadillac, Corvette	65
	Chevette, Oldsmobile	55
Pinion Shaft Lock Bolt
	Chevrolet (Exc. Chevette & Corvette)	25
	Chevette	12
	Pontiac	15
	All Others	20
Housing Cover Bolts
	Cadillac, Oldsmobile	20
	Buick, Pontiac	30
	Chevette	22
	Chevrolet	25
	Corvette	50
Universal Joint Flange-to-Pinion Flange
	Buick, Oldsmobile	16
	Cadillac, Chevrolet	70
	Corvette, Pontiac	15
Universal Joint Flange-to-Companion Flange
	Chevette	16
Corvette Axle Drive Shafts
	Automatic	15
	Manual	22