Testing Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 GMC Sierra, 2004 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2004 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2004 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Wipe clean the differential case, the ring gear and the axle housing of lubricant. Carefully clean each tooth of the ring gear.
- Use a medium stiff brush in order to sparingly apply gear marking compound, GM P/N 1052351 (Canadian P/N 10953497) or equivalent, to all of the ring gear teeth.
- Torque the bearing caps bolts to specification.
- Apply the park brake until a torque load of 14 N.m (10 lb ft) is required in order to turn the pinion.
- Using a wrench, turn the drive pinion flange/yoke so that the ring gear rotates 3 full revolutions.
- Turn the drive pinion flange/yoke in the opposite direction so that the ring gear rotates 3 full revolutions in the opposite direction.
- Observe the pattern on the ring gear teeth. Compare the pattern with the following illustrations.
IMPORTANT:
Performing a test without loading the gears will not produce a satisfactory pattern.
IMPORTANT:
Avoid turning the ring gear excessively.