Transfer Assembly: Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Acura MDX, 2005 Acura MDX, 2004 Acura MDX, and 2003 Acura MDX. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: To prevent damage to the transfer housing, always use soft jaws or equivalent materials between the transfer housing and a vise.

Transfer Gear Backlash Measurement

Set a dial indicator (A) on the transfer companion flange (B); position dial indicator tip (C) on the direct extension of the bolt hole canter (D).

Fig 1: Setting Dial Indicator On Transfer Companion Flange
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Measure the transfer gear backlash.
Standard: 0.06-0.17 mm (0.002-0.007 in.)

Total Starting Torque Measurement
Rotate the transfer companion flange several times to seat the tapered roller bearings.
Measure the staring torque at the companion flange (A) using a torque wrench (B) and a socket (C).
Standard: 3.20-4.16 N.m (32.6-42.4 kgf.cm, 28.3-36.8 lbf.in.)

Fig 2: Measuring Staring Torque At Companion Flange Using Torque Wrench And Socket
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
If the measurements are out of standard, disassemble the transfer assembly and repair it.