Tooth Contact

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Nissan Murano. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the pinion sleeve assembly. Refer to "PINION SLEEVE ASSEMBLY ".
Apply red lead to the drive gear.
CAUTION: Apply red lead to both the faces of 3 to 4 gears at 4 locations evenly spaced on the drive gear.
Install the pinion sleeve shims and pinion sleeve assembly. Refer to "PINION SLEEVE ASSEMBLY ".
Remove the plug on the upper side of the transfer case. When installing plug, apply sealant on screw part, and tighten it at the specified torque. Refer to "COMPONENTS ".

Fig 1: Applying Red Lead To The Drive Gear Teeth
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
- Use Genuine Silicone RTV or equivalent . Refer to "RECOMMENDED CHEMICAL PRODUCTS AND SEALANTS ".
Rotate the companion flange back and forth several times, and check the drive pinion gear to drive gear tooth contact by viewing from the plug hole.

Fig 2: Rotating The Companion Flange Back And Forth
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

Fig 3: Tooth Contact Pattern
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
If tooth contact is poorly adjusted, adjust pinion height (dimension X) in the following manner.

Fig 4: Identifying Dimension X
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

If the tooth contact is near the face (face contact), or near the heal (heel contact), thin the pinion sleeve shims to move the drive pinion closer to the drive gear.
Refer to "PINION SLEEVE SHIM ".

Fig 5: Identifying Face Contact Of Teeth
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
If the tooth contact is near the flank (flank contact), or near the toe (toe contact), thicken the pinion sleeve shims to move the drive pinion farther from the drive gear.
Refer to "PINION SLEEVE SHIM ".

Fig 6: Identifying Flank Contact Of Teeth
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.