Differential Inspection

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2004 GMC Envoy XUV, 2004 GMC Envoy XL, 2004 GMC Envoy, and 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Check the pinion gear shaft for unusual wear.
Check the pinion and the side gear teeth for wear, cracks, scoring and spalling.
Check the thrust washers for wear.
Check the fit of the side gears in the differential case and on the axle shafts.
Check the differential case for cracks and scoring and replace all of the worn parts as necessary.