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.
Testing Procedure
2004 Oldsmobile Bravada AWDSECTION Testing Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Sonoma, 2003 GMC Jimmy, 2003 Chevrolet S10 Pickup, and 2003 Chevrolet Blazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Wipe clean the differential case, the ring gear and the differential carrier housing of 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 1052351 (Canadian P/N 10953497) or equivalent to all of the ring gear teeth.
Important: Avoid turning the ring gear excessively.
- 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.
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
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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.