Testing Procedure
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.
- Wipe clean the differential case, the ring gear and the axle housing of lubricant. Carefully clean each tooth of the ring gear.
- Use a medium stiff brush in order to sparingly apply gear marking compound, GM P/N 1052351 (Canadian P/N 10953497) or equivalent, to all of the ring gear teeth.
- Torque the bearing caps bolts to specification.
- Apply the park brake until a torque load of 14 N.m (10 lb ft) is required in order to turn the pinion.
- Using a wrench, turn the drive pinion flange/yoke so that the ring gear rotates 3 full revolutions.
- Turn the drive pinion flange/yoke in the opposite direction so that the ring gear rotates 3 full revolutions in the opposite direction.
- Observe the pattern on the ring gear teeth. Compare the pattern with the following illustrations.
IMPORTANT:
Performing a test without loading the gears will not produce a satisfactory pattern.
IMPORTANT:
Avoid turning the ring gear excessively.