Hummer H2. Manual - part 943

The side of the ring gear tooth which curves outward, or is convex, is the drive side (4). The concave side is the 
coast side (3). The end of the tooth nearest the center of the ring gear is the toe end (2). The end of the tooth 
farthest away from the center is the heel end (1). 

Adjustments Affecting Tooth Contact 

The following 2 adjustments affect the tooth contact pattern: 

z

Backlash adjustment  

z

Pinion depth adjustment  

The effects of bearing preloads are not readily apparent on hand-loaded tooth contact pattern tests. However, 
bearing preloads should be within specifications before proceeding with backlash and pinion depth adjustments.

Pinion Depth Adjustment 

Adjust the position of the pinion by increasing or decreasing the distance between the pinion head and the 
centerline of the ring gear. Decreasing the distance moves the pinion closer to the centerline of the ring gear. 
Increasing the distance moves the pinion farther away from the centerline of the ring gear. 

Backlash Adjustment 

Adjust the backlash by means of moving the side bearing adjuster sleeves which move the case and ring gear 
assembly closer to or farther from the pinion. Also use the adjuster sleeves in order to set the side bearing 
preload. 

z

If the left side adjuster sleeve is moved in, along with an equal outward movement of the right side 
adjuster, the backlash will increase.  

z

If the left side adjuster sleeve is moved out, along with an equal inward movement of the right side 
adjuster, the backlash will decrease.  

Testing Procedure 

1. Wipe clean the differential case, the ring gear and the differential carrier housing of lubricant. Carefully 

clean each tooth of the ring gear. 

 

2004 Hummer H2 

2004 DRIVELINE/AXLE Front Drive Axle - Hummer H2

  

Fig. 138: Applying Gear Marking Compound GM P/N 1052351 
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP. 

2. Use a medium stiff brush in order to sparingly apply gear marking compound GM P/N 1052351 

(Canadian P/N 10953497) or equivalent to all of the ring gear teeth. 

3. Using a wrench, turn the drive pinion flange/yoke so that the ring gear rotates at least 3 full revolutions.  

4. Turn the drive pinion flange/yoke in the opposite direction so that the ring gear rotates at least 3 full 

revolutions in the opposite direction.  

5. Observe the pattern on the ring gear teeth. Compare the pattern with the following illustrations.  

Correct Contact Pattern 

Condition 

IMPORTANT: Avoid turning the ring gear excessively.

 

2004 Hummer H2 

2004 DRIVELINE/AXLE Front Drive Axle - Hummer H2

  

Fig. 139: Correct Contact Pattern 
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP. 

The backlash and pinion depth is correct. 

Correction 

None required. 

Service Hints 

Loose bearing on the drive pinion or in the differential case may cause patterns that vary. If the contact pattern 
varies, inspect the following preload settings: 

z

Total assembly  

z

Differential case  

z

Drive pinion  

If these settings are correct, inspect for damage or incorrectly assembled parts. 

Drive Side Heel - Coast Side Toe Contact Pattern 

 

2004 Hummer H2 

2004 DRIVELINE/AXLE Front Drive Axle - Hummer H2

  

Fig. 140: Drive Side Heel - Coast Side Toe Contact Pattern 
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP. 

Condition 

The pinion depth is incorrect. The drive pinion is too far away from the ring gear. 

Correction 

Adjust the pinion depth of drive pinion. Refer to Pinion Depth Adjustment . 

Drive Side Toe - Coast Side Heel Contact Pattern 

 

2004 Hummer H2 

2004 DRIVELINE/AXLE Front Drive Axle - Hummer H2