Assembly Inspection And Adjustment: Backlash

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Nissan Titan. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove carrier cover. Refer to "DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY ".
Fit a dial indicator to the drive gear face to measure the backlash.
Backlash: 0.13 - 0.18 mm (0.0051 - 0.0071 in)

Fig 1: Measuring Backlash
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
- If the backlash is outside of the specified value, use each side bearing adjust nut.
  When the backlash is large:
  
  Loosen adjust nut A and tighten adjust nut B.
  
  When the backlash is small:
  
  Loosen adjust nut B and tighten adjust nut A.
  
  Fig 2: Adjusting Side Bearing Nuts
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.