Backlash Adjustment

1. Install the differential case, bearing cups, spacers, and shims as determined from the SIDE BEARING PRELOAD ADJUSTMENT.
2. Rotate the case several times to seat the bearings.
3. Install a dial indicator to the case using a magnetic base.





4. Place the indicator stem at the heel end of a tooth.
- Set the dial indicator so the stem is in line with the gear rotation and perpendicular to the tooth angle.
5. Install the differential bearing caps and bolts.
- Tighten bolts to 75 Nm (55 ft. lbs.).
6. Check and record the backlash at three or four points around the ring gear.
- The pinion must be held stationary when checking backlash.
- The backlash should be the same at each point
- within 0.05 mm (0.002 inch). If the backlash varies more than 0.05 mm (0.002 inch), check for burrs, a distorted case flange, or uneven bolting conditions.
7. Backlash at the minimum lash point measured should be 0.13 to 0.23 mm (0.005 to 0.009 inch) for all new gear sets.
8. If the backlash is not within specifications, move the ring gear in or out from the pinion by increasing the thickness of one shim, and decreasing the thickness of the other shim the same amount. This will maintain the correct axle side-bearing preload.
- Moving 0.05 mm (0.002 inch) worth of shim from one side of the differential to the other will change the backlash adjustment by 0.03 mm (0.001 inch).
9. When the backlash is correctly adjusted, remove the bearing caps and shim packs.





10. Select a shim 0.10-mm (0.004 inch) thicker than the one removed from the left side. Insert this shim between the spacer and left bearing race.
11. Install the left bearing cap and bolts.
- Do not tighten.
12. Select a shim 0.10-mm (0.004 inch) thicker than the one removed from the right side. Insert the shim between the spacer and right bearing race, and drive the shim into place.
13. Install the right side bearing cap, and bolts.
- Tighten bolts to 75 Nm (55 ft. lbs.).
14. Recheck the backlash and correct as necessary.