Contact Pattern Location

In general, desirable ring gear tooth patterns must have the following characteristics:

• Drive pattern on the drive side ring gear well centered on the tooth.
• Coast pattern on the coast side ring gear well centered on the tooth.
• Clearance between the pattern and the top of the tooth.
• No hard lines where the pressure is high.

Acceptable ring gear tooth patterns for all axles.

Fig 1: Acceptable Ring Gear Tooth Pattern

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Correct backlash with a thinner pinion position shim required.

Fig 2: Correct Backlash (Thinner Pinion Position Shim Required)

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Correct backlash with a thicker pinion position shim required.

Fig 3: Correct Backlash (Thicker Pinion Position Shim Required)

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Correct pinion position shim that requires a decrease in backlash.

Fig 4: Correct Pinion Position (Requires A Decrease In Backlash)

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Correct pinion position shim that requires an increase in backlash.

Fig 5: Correct Pinion Position (Requires A Increase In Backlash)

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.