Tooth Contact

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.

Checking gear tooth contact pattern is necessary to verify correct relationship between drive gear and drive pinion. Gears which are not positioned in proper arrangement may be noisy and/or have a short life. Check gear tooth contact pattern to obtain the best contact for low noise and long life.

Remove rear cover. Refer to "DISASSEMBLY ".
Thoroughly clean drive gear and drive pinion teeth.
Apply red lead to drive gear.
CAUTION: Apply red lead to both the faces of 3 to 4 gears at 4 locations evenly spaced on drive gear.

Fig 1: Applying Red Lead To Drive Gear
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Hold companion flange steady by hand and rotate drive gear in both directions.

Fig 2: Rotating Drive Gear In Both Directions
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

Fig 3: Identifying Different Contact Pattern
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
If outside the standard, adjust drive pinion height adjusting washer and backlash. Refer to "DRIVE PINION HEIGHT ADJUSTING WASHER " and "BACKLASH ".