Front Axle Total Backlash Check

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

If the vehicle vibrates and produces a booming sound due to an imbalance in the drive system, measure the front axle total backlash by the following procedure to see if the differential carrier assembly requires removal.
1. Park the vehicle on a flat, level surface.
2. Move the transmission control lever to the neutral position. Apply the parking brake. Raise the vehicle on a jack.
3. Turn the companion flange clockwise as far as it will go. Make the mating mark on the dust cover of the companion flange and on the differential carrier.
  
  Fig 1: Measuring Front Axle Total Backlash (1 Of 2)
  Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
4. Turn the companion flange counterclockwise as far as it will go, and measure the amount of distance the mating marks moved.
  
  Fig 2: Measuring Front Axle Total Backlash (2 Of 2)
  Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
  
  Limit: 11 mm (0.4 inch)
If the backlash exceeds the limit, remove the differential carrier assembly and final drive gear. Then check the differential gear meshing condition and the looseness of the driveshaft or inner shaft splines.