Excessive pinion to ring gear backlash

Adjust the pinion to ring gear backlash. Refer to Backlash Inspection and Adjustment .

Worn pinion and ring gear

Replace the pinion and the ring gear. Refer to the following:

Worn pinion bearings

Replace the pinion bearings. Refer to Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement .

Loose pinion bearings

Adjust the pinion bearings preload. Refer to Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement and to Backlash Inspection and Adjustment .

Excessive pinion end play

Adjust the pinion end play. Refer to Pinion Depth Adjustment .

Worn differential bearings

Replace the differential bearings. Refer to Differential Case Assembly Disassemble and to Differential Case Assembly Assemble .

Loose differential bearings

Adjust the differential bearing preload. Refer to Backlash Inspection and Adjustment .

Excessive ring gear runout

Replace the ring gear. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement .

Low oil level

Fill the fluid level to specifications with the proper lubricant. Refer to Front Axle Lubricant Level Inspection .

Wrong or poor grade oil

Drain and refill the system with the proper lubricant. Refer to Front Axle Lubricant Replacement .