Differential Case Bearings and Ring Gear

Tools Required:

• Dial Indicator with Bracketry TOOL-4201-C

If the ring gear runout check (before disassembly) exceeds specification, the condition may be caused by a warped ring gear, a damaged case or loss of differential bearing preload. To determine the cause of excessive runout, proceed as follows:

1. With the pinion removed, place differential case/gear subassembly with bearings and cups in carrier.
   
   
   
   

2. Install a 6.731mm (0.265 inch) shim on the LH side of subassembly.
   
   
   
   

3. Install the LH bearing cap finger-tight.
   
   
   
   

4. Install progressively larger shims on the RH side until the largest shim selected can be assembled with a slight drag feel.
   
   
   
   

5. Install the RH side bearing cap. Install bearing cap bolts. Tighten both RH and LH bolts to 95-115 Nm (70-85 lb-ft).
   
   
   
   

6. Rotate the assembly to ensure free rotation.
   
   
   
   

7. Install Dial Indicator With Bracketry TOOL-4201-C or equivalent. Check and note ring gear runout.
   
   
   
   

8. If the runout is within specification, the original out of specification runout was caused by insufficient differential bearing preload. If the runout exceeds specification, proceed to Step 9.

9. Remove differential case from the carrier.
   
   
   
   

10. After removing ring gear bolts, remove ring gear using a drift that will bottom in ring gear bolt holes. Strike at alternate holes around gear.
    
    
    
    

11. Install differential assembly in carrier without ring gear.

12. Tighten bearing cap bolts to 95-115 Nm (70-85 lb-ft) and rotate assembly to ensure proper seating of differential bearings.

13. Check differential case runout again. If the runout is now within limits, the ring gear was out of specification and should be replaced. If the runout is still excessive, the case is damaged and should be replaced.