Side Bearing Preload

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Infiniti M45 and 2008 Infiniti M35. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Make sure all parts are clean. Also, make sure the bearings are well lubricated with gear oil.
Press-fit side bearing outer race into side retainer with tool.
Tool number A: ST30611000 (J-25742-1)

B: KV31103000 (J-38982)
CAUTION:
- At first, using a hammer, tap bearing outer race until it becomes flat to side retainer.
- Do not reuse side bearing outer race.
  
  Fig 1: Pressing Side Bearing Outer Race
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Press-fit side bearing outer race into gear carrier with tool.
Tool number A: ST30611000 (J-25742-1)

B: KV31103000 (J-38982)
CAUTION:
- At first, using a hammer, tap bearing outer race until it becomes flat to gear carrier.
- Do not reuse side bearing outer race.
  
  Fig 2: Pressing Side Bearing Outer Race Into Gear Carrier
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Place the differential case assembly into gear carrier.

Fig 3: Identifying Differential Case Assembly Into Gear Carrier
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Install side bearing adjusting shim before disassembling or shim which thickness is the same as the one before disassembling.
Install side retainer assembly to gear carrier.
CAUTION: Do not install O-ring.

Fig 4: Identifying Side Bearing Adjusting Shim
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Install side retainer mounting bolts to the specified torque. Refer to "COMPONENTS ".

Fig 5: Locating Side Retainer Mounting Bolts
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Measure the turning torque of the gear carrier at the drive gear mounting bolts with a spring gauge.
Tool number : - (J-8129)

Specification:

34.2 - 39.2 N (3.5 - 4.0 kg, 7.7 - 8.8 lb) of pulling force at the drive gear bolt

Fig 6: Measuring Torque Drive Gear Bolts
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
If the turning torque is outside the specification, use a thicker/thinner side bearing adjusting shim to adjust. Refer to "SIDE BEARING ADJUSTING SHIM ".
If the turning torque is less than the specified range:

Decrease the side bearing adjusting shim thickness.

If the turning torque is greater than the specification:

Increase the side bearing adjusting shim thickness.
Record the total amount of shim thickness required for the correct carrier side bearing preload.

Fig 7: Adjusting Washer Position
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.