Side Bearing Preload

A selection of carrier side bearing adjusting washer is required for successful completion of this procedure. 

1. Make sure all parts are clean and that the bearings are well lubricated with light oil or "DEXRON™" type automatic transmission fluid.
2. Place the differential carrier, with side bearings and bearing races installed, into the final drive housing.
   Fig 1: Adjusting Side Bearing Preload

   Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
3. Put the side bearing spacer in place.
   CAUTION: Side bearing spacer is placed on either the right or left depending upon final drive gear ratio. Be sure to replace it on the correct side.
   Fig 2: Putting Side Bearing Spacer In Place

   Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
4. Using Tool, install original carrier side bearing preload shims on the carrier end, opposite the ring gear.

   Tool number: KV38100600 (J25267) 

   Fig 3: Using Tool, Installing Carrier Side Bearing Preload Shims

   Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
5. Install the side bearing caps in their correct locations and torque the bearing cap retaining bolts.

   Specification: 

   88 - 98 N.m (9 - 10 kg-m, 65 - 72 ft-lb) 

6. Turn the carrier several times to seat the bearings.
   Fig 4: Installing Side Bearing Caps

   Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
7. Measure the turning torque of the carrier at the ring gear retaining bolts with a spring gauge, J8129.

   Specification: 

   34.3 - 39.2 N (3.5 - 4.0 kg, 7.7 - 8.8 lb) of pulling force at the ring gear bolt 

   Fig 5: Measuring Turning Torque Of Carrier

   Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
8. If the carrier turning torque is not within the specification range, increase or decrease the total thickness of the side bearing adjusting washers until the turning torque is correct. If the turning torque is less than the specified range, install washers of greater thickness; if the turning torque is greater than the specification, install thinner washers. See the SDS section for washer dimensions and part numbers.
9. Record the total amount of washer thickness required for the correct carrier side bearing preload.
   Fig 6: Identifying Washer Thickness

   Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
10. Remove the carrier from the final drive housing, saving the selected preload washers for later use during the assembly of the final drive unit.
    Fig 7: Removing Carrier From Final Drive Housing

    Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.