Testing Procedure
- Drain the differential carrier assembly of axle lubricant, if necessary. Refer to Lubricant Replacement - Front Drive Axle .
- Wipe clean the ring gear of axle lubricant. Carefully clean each tooth of the ring gear.
- Use a medium stiff brush in order to sparingly apply gear marking compound, GM P/N 1052351or equivalent, to all of the ring gear teeth.
- Apply a turning torque load of 14 N.m (10 lb ft) to the differential case and the drive pinion.
- Using a wrench, turn the drive pinion flange/yoke so that the ring gear rotates at least 3 full revolutions.
- 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.
- Observe the pattern on the ring gear teeth. Compare the pattern with the following illustrations.
Perform the recommended adjustments until the proper pattern is obtained.
- Once the proper pattern is obtained, complete the assembly of differential carrier. Refer to Differential Carrier Assembly - Final Assembly .
IMPORTANT:
Performing the test without loading the gears will not produce a satisfactory pattern.
IMPORTANT:
Avoid turning the ring gear excessively or a poor quality gear pattern impression will result.