Gear Tooth Contact Pattern Inspection: Notes
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Tools Required
- J 44856 Pinion Depth Shim Selector
- J 44865 Spline Socket. See Special Tools .
- J 44868 Housing Spreader. See Special Tools .
Before the final assembly of the differential, perform a gear tooth pattern inspection.
This contact pattern inspection is not a substitute for adjusting the pinion depth and backlash. Use this method in order to verify the correct running position of the ring gear and drive pinion. Gear sets which are not positioned properly may be noisy, have a short life or both. A pattern inspection ensures the best contact between the ring gear and the drive pinion for low noise and long life.