Differential Side Gear Backlash Measurement

Weber State University - Automotive Technology Department - Transmission Lab - Measuring transaxle front differential side gear backlash on a Toyota A245E transaxle. Too little or too much backlash can cause noise while turning corners. Backlash is typically adjusted with shims behind the differential side gears. This procedure is generic and will work for most transaxles as well as front and rear axles. It helps to have the axle shaft installed to hold the side gear centered in the differential case.

This video helps demonstrate part of NATEF Tasks:
A2.C.17. " Inspect, measure, repair, adjust or replace transaxle final drive components.", a priority 2 task.
A3.E.1.10 " Disassemble, inspect, measure, and adjust or replace differential pinion gears (spiders), shaft, side gears, side bearings, thrust washers, and case.", a priority 2 task.

http://www.weber.edu/automotive

Category:

Education

Tags:

• WSU
• GM
• ASEP
• Chrysler
• CAP
• Ford
• MLR
• Toyota
• T-TEN
• BS
• AAS
• Weber State

[BlueDemonGTR]

hi,

how do you correct side gears backlash?

[WeberAuto]

@BlueDemonGTR Hi, there are usually selectable shims behind the side gears that allow backlash adjustment by moving the side gears closer or farther away from the differential pinion gears. In some cases, the gears are severely worn and will have to be replaced if the backlash cannot be brought within specification.

[cvmiata]

great vid quality, what did you use for a camcorder?

[WeberAuto]

@cvmiata Hi, I used a Canon PowerShot S95 camera on a tripod. It takes true 720p video.

[DCrepresenter]

what is differential backlash

[WeberAuto]

@DCrepresenter Most axles have two sets of gears: 1. The ring and pinion gear set. 2. The differential gear set which consists of two side gears and two or more differential pinion gears (some people call them spider gears). Both of the two sets of gears mentioned above have a backlash that should be checked and adjusted. If the backlash is incorrect, the gears can make noise, overheat, or break. The differential gear set is only used while turning corners.

[yak404]

How did I get here from MonsterCatMedia?

[jayguy173]

nice rear end

[62chevrolet]

I popped a chub at the sight of that dial indicator, then it progressed to a full on RAGER after I saw that it was made by snap on!

[757WN]

Great little demo. Hope you'll put up more. i find diff rebuilds intimidating.