4A2–26
DIFFERENTIAL (REAR)
5. Observe the pattern on the ring gear teeth and
compare this with figure.
425RS039
Adjustments Affecting Tooth Contact
Two adjustments can be made which will affect tooth
contact pattern: backlash, and the position of the drive
pinion in the case. The effects of bearing preloads are
not readily apparent on head loaded tooth contact
pattern tests; however, these adjustments shuld be
within specifications before proceeding with backlash
and drive pinion adjustments.
The position of the drive pinion is adjusted by increasing
or decreasing the distance between the pinion head and
the centerline of the ring gear.
Decreasing the distance will move the pinion closer to
the centerline of the ring gear. Increasing the distance
will move the pinion farther away from the centerline of
the ring gear.
Backlash is adjusted by means of the side bearing
adjusting shims which move the entire case and ring
gear assembly closer to, or farther from, the drive
pinion. (The adjusting shims are also used to set side
bearing preload.)
If the thickness of the right shim is increased (along with
decreasing the left shim thickness), backlash will
increase.
The backlash will decrease if the left shim thickness is
increased (along with a decrease in right shim
thickness).