Backlash Inspection

With SH-AWD: Remove the final driven gear and the transfer drive gear from the differential carrier (see DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER, FINAL DRIVEN GEAR, AND TRANSFER DRIVE GEAR REPLACEMENT ).
Without SH-AWD: Remove the final driven gear (see DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER AND FINAL DRIVEN GEAR REPLACEMENT ).
Install both axles into the differential assembly (A) and place the axles on V-blocks (B).

Fig 1: Identifying Differential Assembly, V-Blocks, Pinion Gears And Dial Indicators
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Measure the backlash of the pinion gears (C) with a dial indicator (D).
Standard (New): 0.05 - 0.15 mm (0.0020 - 0.0059 in)
If the backlash is out of the standard, replace the differential assembly.
With SH-AWD: Install the final driven gear and the transfer drive gear on the differential carrier (see DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER, FINAL DRIVEN GEAR, AND TRANSFER DRIVE GEAR REPLACEMENT ).
Without SH-AWD: Install the final driven gear (see DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER AND FINAL DRIVEN GEAR REPLACEMENT ).