Rear Axle Total Backlash

Fig. 2 Checking Rear Axle Total Backlash:

NOTE If vehicle vibrates and has a booming sound due to system driveline imbalance, total axle backlash should be checked as follows:
1. Place gearshift in neutral, apply parking brake, then raise and support vehicle.
2. Manually turn propeller shaft clockwise as far as it will go and scribe mating mark on companion flange dust cover and differential carrier.
3. Manually turn shaft counterclockwise as far as it will go and measure movement of mating marks.
4. If total axle backlash is less than 0.2 inch (5 mm), backlash is satisfactory.
5. If backlash is more than 0.2 inch (5 mm), refer to Transmission and Drivetrain/Drive Axles, Bearings and Joints/Axle Bearings/Adjustments.