Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Gear Tooth Contact Pattern Inspection: Notes
Tools Required
- J 44856 Pinion Depth Shim Selector
- J 44865 Spline Socket. See Special Tools .
- J 44868 Housing Spreader. See Special Tools .
Before the final assembly of the differential, perform a gear tooth pattern inspection.
This contact pattern inspection is not a substitute for adjusting the pinion depth and backlash. Use this method in order to verify the correct running position of the ring gear and drive pinion. Gear sets which are not positioned properly may be noisy, have a short life or both. A pattern inspection ensures the best contact between the ring gear and the drive pinion for low noise and long life.
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.