Differential: Testing and Inspection

1. Check for damaged or worn gears.
2. Check for a cracked or damaged transaxle case.





3. Make sure that movement within the differential is less than 0.10 mm (0.004 inch) in all directions. If movement is greater than 0.10 mm (0.004 inch) in any direction, determine whether the differential pinion shaft or trans axle case is causing the concern. Replace as necessary.





4. Check the differential side gear and differential pinion shaft backlash as follows:
a. Install the LH front wheel driveshaft and joint and RH front wheel driveshaft and joint into the differential.
b. Support the LH front wheel driveshaft and joint and RH front wheel driveshaft and joint on V-blocks.
c. Use Dial Indicator with Bracketry T50T-4201-C or equivalent to measure the backlash of both differential pinion gears. If the backlash is more than allowable, replace the differential as an assembly.
^ The standard backlash measurement is between 0.05-0.15 mm (0.0020-0.0059 inch).
^ The maximum backlash measurement is 0.50 mm (0.020 inch).