Tooth Contact

Remove the pinion sleeve assembly. Refer to "PINION SLEEVE ASSEMBLY ".
Apply red lead to the drive gear.
CAUTION: Apply red lead to both the faces of 3 to 4 gears at 4 locations evenly spaced on the drive gear.
Install the pinion sleeve shims and pinion sleeve assembly. Refer to "PINION SLEEVE ASSEMBLY ".
Remove the plug on the upper side of the transfer case. When installing plug, apply sealant on screw part, and tighten it at the specified torque. Refer to "COMPONENTS ".
- Use Genuine Silicone RTV or equivalent. Refer to " RECOMMENDED CHEMICAL PRODUCTS AND SEALANTS ".
Fig 1: Applying Red Lead To Drive Gear
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Rotate the companion flange back and forth several times, and check the drive pinion gear to drive gear tooth contact by viewing from the plug hole.

Fig 2: Rotating Companion Flange Back And Forth
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

Fig 3: Tooth Contact Condition Reference Chart
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
If tooth contact is poorly adjusted, adjust pinion height (dimension X) in the following manner.

Fig 4: Adjusting Pinion Height
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

If the tooth contact is near the face (face contact), or near the heal (heel contact), thin the pinion sleeve shims to move the drive pinion closer to the drive gear. Refer to "PINION SLEEVE SHIM ".

Fig 5: Identifying Face Contact And Heel Contact Pattern
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
If the tooth contact is near the flank (flank contact), or near the toe (toe contact), thicken the pinion sleeve shims to move the drive pinion farther from the drive gear. Refer to "PINION SLEEVE SHIM ".

Fig 6: Identifying Flank Contact And Toe Contact Pattern
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.