Assembly Inspection And Adjustment: Backlash

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Nissan Pathfinder. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove rear cover. Refer to , "DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY "
Fit a dial indicator to the drive gear face to measure the backlash.
Backlash: 0.10 - 0.15 mm (0.0039 - 0.0059 in)

If the backlash is outside of the specified value, change the thickness of side bearing adjusting washer.
When the backlash is greater than specification: Make drive gear back side adjusting washer thicker, and drive gear tooth side adjusting washer thinner by the same amount. Refer to , " SIDE BEARING ADJUSTING WASHER "

When the backlash is less than specification: Make drive gear back side adjusting washer thinner, and drive gear tooth side adjusting washer thicker by the same amount. Refer to , " SIDE BEARING ADJUSTING WASHER "

Fig 1: Measuring Backlash
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

CAUTION: Do not change the total amount of washers as it will change the bearing preload.