Gear Tooth Contact Patterns - General Information: Inspection: Notes

NOTE: This is GENERAL information. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or individual vehicle configuration. For model-specific information see appropriate articles where available.

Wipe lubricant from internal parts. Rotate gears and inspect for wear or damage. Mount dial indicator to housing and check backlash at several points around ring gear. Backlash must be within specification at all points. If no defects are found, check gear tooth pattern contact.

NOTE: Drive pattern should be well centered on ring gear teeth. Coast pattern should be centered, but may be slightly toward toe of ring gear teeth.