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 and Adjustment
Tools Required
- J 8001 Dial Indicator Set
- J 36599-A Side Bearing Nut Wrench. See Special Tools .
- J 36615 Side Bearing Nut Wrench. See Special Tools .
- Remove all alignment marks made previously and re-mark the location of the differential adjuster nut sleeves in relation to the differential carrier assembly case halves.
Ensure that the notches can be counted when turned.
- Install the J 8001-1 (1, 2), the J 8001-2 (3), and the J 8001-3 (4) as shown.
Ensure that the button contacts the outer edge of the pinion yoke and that the plunger is at a right angle to the pinion yoke.
- Move the pinion yoke back and forth through the pinion yoke's free play while not allowing the ring gear to move.
- Record the dial indicator reading.
- To determine the actual backlash, divide the dial indicator reading by 2.
An actual dial indicator reading of 0.16 mm (0.006 in) means that there is actually 0.08 mm (0.003 in) backlash.
Specification: The backlash between the ring gear and the drive pinion should be between 0.08-0.25 mm (0.003-0.010 in) with a preferred specification of 0.13-0.18 mm (0.005-0.007 in).
- Always turn the left and the right differential adjuster nut sleeves in equal amounts.
- Turning the differential adjuster nut sleeves one notch will change the backlash about 0.08 mm (0.003 in).
- If the backlash is too small, increase the backlash by turning the right differential adjuster nut sleeve out one notch using the J 36599-A , 8. See Special Tools .25 inch axle, or the J 36615 , 9. See Special Tools .25 inch axle, and the left differential adjuster nut sleeve in one notch using the J 36599-A until the correct backlash is obtained. See Special Tools .
- If the backlash is too large, decrease the backlash by turning the left differential adjuster nut sleeve out one notch using the J 36599-A and the right differential adjuster nut sleeve in one notch using the J 36599-A , 8. See Special Tools .25 inch axle, or the J 36615 , 9. See Special Tools .25 inch axle, until the correct backlash is obtained.
- Recheck the rotating torque of the pinion and differential assembly and adjust, if necessary. Refer to Differential Carrier Assembly - Assemble .
- Once the backlash and bearing preload is within specifications, remove the alignment markings and place new alignment marks between the differential bearing adjuster nut and the differential carrier assembly case.
- Continue the assembly of the differential carrier. Refer to Differential Carrier Assembly - Assemble .
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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.