GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Checks

Action

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. Perform the following procedures:

Worn pinion bearings

Replace the pinion bearings. Perform the following procedures:

Loose pinion bearings

Adjust the pinion bearings preload. Perform the following procedures:

Excessive pinion end play

Adjust the pinion end play. Refer to Differential Carrier Assembly Assemble .

Worn differential bearings

Replace the differential bearings. Perform the following procedures:

Loose differential bearings

Adjust the differential bearing preload. Perform the following procedures:

Excessive ring gear runout

Replace the ring gear. Perform the following procedures:

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 .