Gear Tooth Contact Pattern
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.
- Paint ring gear teeth with a suitable marking compound. Wrap a cloth or rope around drive pinion flange to act as a brake. Rotate ring gear until a clear tooth contact pattern is obtained.
- Contact pattern will indicate whether correct pinion bearing mounting shim has been installed and if drive gear backlash has been set properly. Backlash between drive gear and pinion must be maintained within specified limits, until correct tooth pattern is obtained.