Assembly Inspection And Adjustment: Backlash

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Nissan Frontier. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove rear cover. Refer to "DISASSEMBLY ".
Check drive gear to drive pinion backlash using a dial indicator at several points.
Drive gear to drive pinion backlash:

0.08 - 0.13 mm (0.0031 - 0.0051 in)
If outside the standard, adjust side bearing adjuster.
CAUTION: Check tooth contact and total preload after adjusting side bearing adjuster. Refer to "TOTAL PRELOAD TORQUE ", "TOOTH CONTACT ".

Fig 1: Checking Drive Gear To Drive Pinion Backlash Using Dial Indicator
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
1. Remove adjuster lock plate.
2. Loosen side bearing cap bolts.
3. Tighten or loosen each side bearing adjuster using Tool.
  Tool number: - (C-4164)
  
  Fig 2: Tightening Side Bearing Adjuster Using Tool
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
4. In case of excessive backlash, loosen side bearing adjuster A and tighten side bearing adjuster B. In case of insufficient backlash, loosen side bearing adjuster B and tighten side bearing adjuster A.
  
  Fig 3: Identifying Side Bearing Adjuster
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
5. After adjusting backlash, tighten cap bolts to the specified torque. Refer to "COMPONENTS ".
6. Install adjuster lock plate and tighten to the specified torque. Refer to "COMPONENTS ".
  CAUTION: Install adjuster lock plate to grooving of differential lock solenoid.
  
  Fig 4: Tightening Cap Bolts
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.