Dodge Nitro. Manual — part 559

Fig. 96: Identifying Spreader W-129-B & Spreader Retainers W-129-1
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

28. Install Spreader Adapters 9959, Spreader W-129-B (1) and Spreader Retainers W-129-1 (2) on housing

tighten spreader turnbuckle finger-tight.

29. Attach Dial Indicator C-3339 to spreader retainer stud. Load indicator plunger against opposite side of the

housing and zero the indicator

30. Spread the differential case 0.34 mm (0.013 in).

31. Install differential case with shims.

GEAR BACKLASH

CAUTION: Never spread the differential housing over 0.34 mm (0.013 in). Failure

to follow these instruction could result in distorting the housing.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 DRIVELINE Differential & Driveline - Nitro

Fig. 97: Identifying Indicator Plunger & Ring Gear Tooth
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

1. Rotate the differential case several times to seat the side bearings.

2. Position the indicator plunger (1) against a ring gear tooth (2).

3. Push and hold ring gear upward while not allowing the pinion gear to rotate.

4. Zero dial indicator face to pointer.

5. Push and hold ring gear downward while not allowing the pinion gear to rotate. Dial indicator reading

(backlash ) should be between 0.12 - 0.20 mm (0.005 - 0.008 in.).

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 DRIVELINE Differential & Driveline - Nitro

Fig. 98: Backlash Shim Correction
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

6. Verify differential case and ring gear runout by measuring ring to pinion gear backlash at eight locations

around the ring gear. Readings should not vary more than 0.05 mm (0.002 in.). If readings vary more than
specified, the ring gear or the differential case is defective.

NOTE:

If backlash is not within specifications, transfer the necessary shim
thickness from one side of the housing to the other.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 DRIVELINE Differential & Driveline - Nitro

After the proper backlash is achieved, perform Gear Contact Pattern Analysis procedure.

GEAR CONTACT PATTERN

Fig. 99: Gear Description
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

The ring gear and pinion teeth contact patterns will show if the pinion depth is correct in the housing. It will
also show if the ring gear backlash has been adjusted correctly. The backlash can be adjusted within
specifications to achieve desired tooth contact patterns.

The TOP LAND (1) of the gear tooth is the top surface of the tooth. The PROFILE (2) of the gear tooth is the
depth of the tooth. The TOE (3) of the gear is the portion of the tooth surface at the end towards the center. The
HEEL (4) of the gear is the portion of the tooth at the outer-end. The ROOT (5) of the gear tooth is the lowest
portion of the tooth.

NOTE:

If the PROFILE across the tooth is the same it is a 3 Axis cut gear. If the
PROFILE across the tooth is tapered, it is a 2 Axis cut gear.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 DRIVELINE Differential & Driveline - Nitro