Side Bearing Preload and Backlash Adjustment Procedure

Side bearing preload is necessary to maintain the correct bearing pressure on both sides of the differential case so that the differential case will turn evenly at all speeds. Side bearing preload is measured by the distance between the side bearing caps or case spread. Once the differential side bearing preload has been adjusted, it must be maintained throughout the differential backlash adjustment procedure. Setting differential backlash is very important to the service life of the ring and pinion gears. Setting differential backlash determines the amount of depth at which the ring gear will contact the pinion gear. This determines the distance of the pinion gear teeth from the drive side and the coast side of the ring gear teeth. The deeper the gears mesh, the less amount of backlash. The more shallow the mesh, the more backlash is created. This adjustment is vital for correct differential operation.