Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview

A close examination of the differential prior to taking it apart often reveals valuable information as to the extent and the type of repairs or adjustments necessary. This information and the report of the malfunction provides a basis for determining the degree of teardown required. Frequent causes of axle noise are improper backlash, differential drive pinion gear bearing preload, or a combination of these items. A few simple adjustments may be all that are necessary to correct the problem. Check the following items and record and analyze the results before removing the differential case from the housing:
- Check the backlash.
- Check the total differential preload.
- Check the tooth contact pattern.

Use care at all times to keep dirt and other foreign matter, such as grinder shavings, dirt, or particulate contaminants, away from the rear axle to prevent the possibility of subsequent failure.