Gear Tooth Contact Pattern
NOTE:
Drive pattern should be well centered on ring gear teeth. Coast pattern should be centered but may be slightly toward toe of ring gear teeth.
Paint ring gear teeth with a suitable marking compound, then wrap a cloth or rope around drive pinion flange to act as a brake. Rotate ring gear until a clear tooth pattern is obtained. Gear tooth contact pattern will disclose whether correct pinion bearing mounting shim has been installed and drive gear backlash set properly. Backlash between drive gear and pinion must be maintained within specified limits until correct tooth pattern is obtained.