Disassembly And Assembly: Pre-Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Nissan Maxima. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Clean final drive assembly sufficiently to prevent side gear thrust washer, differential case, side gear, and other parts from sticking by gear oil.
Upright the differential case so that the side gear to be measured faces upward.
Place final drive adapter and dial indicator onto side gear using Tool as shown.

Fig 1: Place Final Drive Adapter And Dial Indicator Onto Side Gear Using Tool As Shown
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Move side gear up and down, and measure the clearance as shown.

Fig 2: Move Side Gear Up And Down, And Measure The Clearance As Shown
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

Clearance between side gear and : 0.1 - 0.2 mm

differential case (0.004 - 0.008 in)

CAUTION: There must be no resistance and the gears must rotate freely.
If the clearance measured is not within specification, adjust the clearance by changing the thrust washer thickness.
Turn the differential case upside down, and measure the clearance between the side gear and differential case on the other side to the same specifications, adjust using a thrust washer as necessary.