GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Holden 🢒 2005 🢒 Commodore Berlina 🢒 Driveline/Axle 🢒 Front Drive Axle 🢒 Gear Tooth Contact Pattern Inspection

Tools Required

DT-47573 Ring Gear Rotation Tool

Notice: All fasteners are important attaching parts as they affect the performance of vital components and/or could result in major repair expense. Where specified in this section, fasteners must be replaced with parts of the same part number or an approved equivalent. Do not use fasteners of an inferior quality or substitute design.

Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to ensure proper retention of all components.

Throughout this Section, fastener torque wrench specifications may be accompanied with the following Identification marks:

+ Fasteners must be replaced after loosening.

* Fasteners either have micro encapsulated sealant applied or incorporate a mechanical thread lock and should only be re-used once. If in doubt, replacement is recommended.

! Fasteners must not be final tightened until vehicle is at curb height with the vehicle weight on all four wheels.

# Fasteners must be new and assembled dry.

If one of these identification marks is present alongside a fastener torque wrench specification, the recommendation regarding that fastener must be adhered to.

  1. Lift the differential and ring gear assembly from the carrier housing, then wash all components in a suitable solvent and blow dry, using compressed air.
  2. Apply light oil to the roller bearings, then apply a thin coating of a gear marking compound to the ring gear teeth.
  3. Reinstall the rear gear and differential to the carrier housing, then reinstall the cover and the 10 bolts, tightening each to the correct torque value.

    4. Tighten
    Tighten the final drive cover bolt to 45 N·m.

  4. Install ring gear rotation tool DT-47573 to engage with the differential pin and grasp the tool to apply a load to the ring gear while rotating the pinion about 10 times in each direction.
  5. Remove the 10 bolts securing the cover to the carrier housing, then remove the cover and the ring gear/differential assembly.
  6. Examine the ring gear tooth marking and record. The most convenient method would be to use a digital camera. Refer to Gear Tooth Contact Pattern Inspection.