Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Backlash Inspection
- With SH-AWD: Remove the final driven gear and the transfer drive gear from the differential carrier (see DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER, FINAL DRIVEN GEAR, AND TRANSFER DRIVE GEAR REPLACEMENT
).
Without SH-AWD: Remove the final driven gear (see DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER AND FINAL DRIVEN GEAR REPLACEMENT ).
- Install both axles into the differential assembly (A) and place the axles on V-blocks (B).
- Measure the backlash of the pinion gears (C) with a dial indicator (D).
Standard (New): 0.05 - 0.15 mm (0.0020 - 0.0059 in)
- If the backlash is out of the standard, replace the differential assembly.
- With SH-AWD: Install the final driven gear and the transfer drive gear on the differential carrier (see DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER, FINAL DRIVEN GEAR, AND TRANSFER DRIVE GEAR REPLACEMENT
).
Without SH-AWD: Install the final driven gear (see DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER AND FINAL DRIVEN GEAR REPLACEMENT ).
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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