Independent Rear Suspension: General Procedures

Differential Ring Gear Backlash





Special Tool(s)
1. With the transmission in NEUTRAL, raise and support the vehicle.
2. Remove the rear disc brake calipers and rotors.





3. Remove the drain plug from the differential housing cover and drain the differential fluid.
4. Remove the differential cover bolt from the 6 o'clock position.





5. Mount the special tool in the 6 o'clock position of the differential cover, using the differential cover bolt.





6. Using the special tools, mount a suitable backlash dial indicator allowing the indicator tip to contact the drive side of the ring gear tooth through the drain plug hole.





7. Rotate the left halfshaft inner CV joint to move the ring gear fore and aft to measure the backlash between the ring gear teeth and the pinion teeth. Record the backlash.





8. Remove the dial indicator and rotate the driveshaft to turn the differential ring gear. Position the dial indicator and record the backlash in four places around the ring gear.
9. Proceed as follows:
^ If the backlash is outside the range of 0.203 mm - 0.303 mm (0.008 - 0.013 inch), remove the differential for further investigation.
^ If the backlash is within specifications, remove the tools, install the drain plug and refill the axle to specifications.
10. Lower the vehicle.