Backlash Inspection

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2014 Honda Ridgeline, 2013 Honda Ridgeline, 2012 Honda Ridgeline, 2011 Honda Ridgeline, and 2010 Honda Ridgeline. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the final driven gear and transfer drive gear from the differential carrier.
Install both axles into the differential assembly (A) and place the axles on V-blocks (B).

Fig 1: Measuring Backlash Of Pinion Gears
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Measure the backlash of the pinion gears (C) with a dial indicator (D).
Standard (New): 0.05-0.15 mm (0.002-0.006 in)
If the backlash is out of standard, replace the differential carrier.
Install the final driven gear and transfer drive gear on the differential carrier (see DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER, FINAL DRIVEN GEAR, AND TRANSFER DRIVE GEAR REPLACEMENT ).