GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Cause

Correction

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 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 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 Side Bearing 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 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 .