Assembly Inspection And Adjustment: Backlash

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Nissan Armada. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fit a dial indicator to the drive gear face to measure the backlash.
Backlash: 0.13 - 0.18 mm (0.0051 - 0.0070 in)
- If the backlash is outside of the specification, change the thickness of the side bearing adjusting washers.
  If the backlash is greater than specification:
  
  Make side bearing adjusting washer thicker on drive gear back side, and side bearing adjusting washer thinner on drive gear tooth side by the same amount. Refer to "INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENT ".
  
  If the backlash is less than specification:
  
  Make side bearing adjusting washer thinner on drive gear back side, and side bearing adjusting washer thicker on drive gear tooth side by the same amount. Refer to "INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENT ".
  
  Fig 1: Measuring Drive Gear Backlash Using Dial Indicator
  Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

CAUTION: Do not change the total thickness of side bearing adjusting washers as it will change the side bearing preload torque.