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 Adjustment .

Worn pinion and ring gear

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

Worn pinion bearings

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

Loose pinion bearings

Adjust the pinion bearings preload. Refer to Pinion Depth 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 Side Bearings Replacement .

Loose differential bearings

Adjust the differential bearing preload. Refer to Differential Carrier Bearing Preload 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 Rear Axle Lubricant Level Inspection .

Wrong or poor grade oil

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

Bent axle housing

Replace the axle housing. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Replacement .