Dodge dakota 2002 Service Manual page 149

3 - 76 REAR AXLE - 9 1/4
REAR AXLE - 9 1/4 (Continued)
Fig. 5 PINION HEIGHT BLOCK
1 - PINION BLOCK
2 - PINION HEIGHT BLOCK
Fig. 6 PINION DEPTH TOOLS
1 - ARBOR DISC
2 - PINION BLOCK
3 - ARBOR
4 - PINION HEIGHT BLOCK
(7) Slide the dial indicator probe across the gap
between the pinion height block and the arbor bar
with the scooter block against the pinion height block
(Fig. 7). Continue moving the dial probe to the crest
of the arbor bar and record the highest reading.
(8) Select a shim equal to the dial indicator read-
ing plus the drive pinion gear depth variance number
marked on the shaft of the pinion. For example, if
the depth variance is –2, add +0.002 in. to the dial
indicator reading.
DIFFERENTIAL BEARING PRELOAD AND GEAR
BACKLASH
The following must be considered when adjusting
bearing preload and gear backlash:
Fig. 7 PINION GEAR DEPTH MEASUREMENT
1 - ARBOR
2 - SCOOTER BLOCK
3 - DIAL INDICATOR
• The maximum ring gear backlash variation is
0.076 mm (0.003 in.).
• Mark the gears so the same teeth are meshed
during all backlash measurements.
• Maintain the torque while adjusting the bearing
preload and ring gear backlash.
• Excessive adjuster torque will introduce a high
bearing load and cause premature bearing failure.
Insufficient adjuster torque can result in excessive
differential case free-play and ring gear noise.
• Insufficient adjuster torque will not support the
ring gear correctly and can cause excessive differen-
tial case free-play and ring gear noise.
NOTE: The differential bearing cups will not always
immediately follow the threaded adjusters as they
are moved during adjustment. To ensure accurate
bearing cup responses to the adjustments:
• Maintain the gear teeth engaged (meshed) as
marked.
• The bearings must be seated by rapidly rotat-
ing the pinion gear a half turn back and forth.
• Do this five to ten times each time the threaded
adjusters are adjusted.
(1) Throught the axle tube use Wrench C-4164 to
adjust each threaded adjuster inward until the differ-
ential bearing free-play is eliminated. Allow some
ring gear backlash approximately 0.25 mm (0.01 in.)
between the ring and pinion gear. Seat the bearing
cups with the procedure described above.
(2) Install dial indicator and position the plunger
against the drive side of a ring gear tooth (Fig. 8).
Measure the backlash at 4 positions, 90 degrees
apart around the ring gear. Locate and mark the
area of minimum backlash.
DR