Adjusting And Selecting Washers

Side Gear Back Clearance

• Assemble the differential parts if they are disassembled. Refer to "EXPLODED VIEW "

1. Place the differential case straight up so that the side gear to be measured is upward.
   Fig 1: Identifying Differential Center Line And Measuring Points

   Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
2. Using feeler gauges, measure the clearance between the side gear back and differential case at three different points, while rotating the side gear. Average the three readings to calculate the clearance. (Measure the clearance of the other side as well.)

   Side gear back clearance: Refer to  "INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENT "

   • If the side gear back clearance is outside of the specification, use a thicker or thinner side gear thrust washer to adjust. Refer to "INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENT ".

     If the side gear back clearance is greater than specification: 

     Use a thicker side gear thrust washer  .

     If the side gear back clearance is less than specification: 

     Use a thinner side gear thrust washer  .

     Fig 2: Measuring Clearance Between Side Gear And Differential Case Using Feeler Gauge

     Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
     CAUTION:

     • Insert feeler gauges with the same thickness on both sides to prevent side gear from tilting.
     • Each gear should rotate smoothly without excessive resistance during differential motion.
     • Select a side gear thrust washer for right and left individually.
     NOTE: Side gear back clearance is clearance between side gear and differential case for adjusting side gear backlash.

Drive Pinion Height

• Drive gear and drive pinion are supplied in matched sets only. Matching numbers on both drive pinion and drive gear are etched for verification. If a new gear set is being used, verify the numbers of each drive pinion and drive gear before proceeding with assembly.
  Fig 3: Identifying Drive Pinion Position And Matching Gear Set Numbers

  Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
• The mounting distance from the centerline of the drive gear to the back face of the drive pinion for the M205 final drive assembly is 103.5 mm (4.0748 inches).

  On the button end of each drive pinion, there is etched a plus (+) number, a minus (-) number, or a zero (0), which indicates the best running position for each particular gear set. This dimension is controlled by a selective drive pinion height adjusting washer between the drive pinion rear bearing inner race and drive pinion.

  For example: If a drive pinion is etched m8 (+3), it would require 0.08 mm (0.003 inch) less drive pinion height adjusting washer than a drive pinion etched "0". This means decreasing drive pinion height adjusting washer thickness; increases the mounting distance of the drive pinion to 103.6 mm (4.0778 inches). If a drive pinion is etched m-8 (-3), it would require adding 0.08mm (0.003 inch) more to the drive pinion height adjusting washer than would be required if the drive pinion were etched "0". By adding 0.08 mm (0.003 inch), the mounting distance of the drive pinion was decreased to 103.4 mm (4.0718 inches) which is just what a m-8 (-3) etching indicated.

• To change the drive pinion height, use different drive pinion height adjusting washers which come in different thickness.
• Use the following tables as a guide for selecting the correct drive pinion height adjusting washer thickness to add or subtract from the old drive pinion height adjusting washer.