Lexus SC300 / Lexus SC400. Manual - part 805

DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER INSPECTION

SA0V3–05

1. 

CHECK RUNOUT OF DRIVE PINION SHAFT
Measure the runout of the drive pinion shaft at a position pin-
ion 10 mm (0.39 in.) from the end of the shaft.

Maximum runout:

0.08 mm (0.0031 in.)

If the runout is greater than the maximum, replace the drive
pinion and ring gear.

2. 

REMOVE DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER COVER

(a)  Remove the 8 bolts from the carrier cover.

(b)  Using a brass bar and hammer, separate the cover and

carrier.

3. 

CHECK RING GEAR RUNOUT

Maximum runout:

0.05 mm (0.0020 in.)

If the runout is greater than the maximum, replace the drive
pinion, ring gear and differential case.

4. 

CHECK RING GEAR BACKLASH
Measure the backlash of the ring gear at 3 points at least and
check that the average value is within the specification.

Backlash (average value):

0.08–0.13 mm (0.0031–0.0051 in.)

NOTICE: The difference between the maximum and minimum

measured values must be less than 0.05 mm (0.0020 in.).

SA–86

–

SUSPENSION AND AXLE

REAR DIFFERENTIAL

If the backlash is not within the specification, adjust the back-
lash. (See page 

SA–98

)

5. 

MEASURE DRIVE PINION PRELOAD
Using SST and a torque wrench, measure the drive pinion
preload using the backlash of the drive pinion and ring gear.

Preload (at start):

0.5–0.8 N

⋅

m (5–8 kgf

⋅

cm, 4.3–6.9 in.

⋅

lbf)

HINT: With vehicles which have run less than 8,000 km
(5,000 miles), the preload may be large.
SST 09229–55010

Maximum preload (at start):

1.8 N

⋅

m (18 kgf

⋅

cm, 16.0 in.

⋅

lbf)

6. CHECK 

TOTAL 

PRELOAD

Using SST and a torque wrench, measure the total preload.
SST 09229–55010

Total preload (at start):

In addition to drive pinion preload

0.5–0.8 N

⋅

m (5–8 kgf

⋅

cm, 4.3–6.9 in.

⋅

lbf)

If necessary, disassemble and inspect the differential.

7. 

CHECK PINION GEAR BACKLASH
Measure the pinion gear backlash while holding one side
gear toward the case.

Backlash:

0.05–0.02 mm (0.0020–0.0079 in.)

If the backlash is not within the specification, install the cor-
rect thrust washer. (See page SA–93)

8. CHECK 

TOOTH 

CONTACT 

PATTERN

(See page 

SA–99

)

DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER DISASSEMBLY

SA0V4–02

HINT: When fastening the differential carrier to an overhaul
stand, etc., fasten it at the 4 places on the ring gear side
shown in the illustration.

–

SUSPENSION AND AXLE

REAR DIFFERENTIAL

SA–87

1. 

REMOVE SIDE GEAR SHAFT
Using SST, remove the side gear shaft.
SST 09520–24010

NOTICE: Be careful not to damage the oil seal.

2. 

REMOVE SIDE GEAR SHAFT OIL SEALS
Using SST, remove the oil seals.
SST 09308–00010

3. 

REMOVE DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER RETAINER

(a)  Remove the 8 bolts.

(b)  Using SST, remove the carrier retainer.

SST 09950–20017

4. 

REMOVE DIFFERENTIAL CASE
Take the differential case out of the carrier while lifting the ring
gear side, as shown in the illustration.

SA–88

–

SUSPENSION AND AXLE

REAR DIFFERENTIAL

5. REMOVE 

O–RING 

FROM 

DIFFERENTIAL 

CARRIER

RETAINER
Using a screwdriver, remove the O–ring.

6.  REMOVE SIDE BEARING OUTER RACE AND PLATE

WASHER
Using SST and a press, press out the outer races and wash-
ers.
SST 09608–35014 (09608–06020, 09608–06110)

7.  REMOVE DRIVE PINION, SPACER AND COMPANION

FLANGE

(a) Using 

a 

hammer and chisel, loosen the staked part of the nut.

(b)  Using SST, remove the nut.

SST 09229–55010, 09330–00021

(c)  Using a press, remove the drive pinion with the rear bearing

and remove the companion flange.

NOTICE: Be careful not to drop the drive pinion.

–

SUSPENSION AND AXLE

REAR DIFFERENTIAL

SA–89