Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 586

Fig. 231: Identifying Axle Tubes & Adjuster C-4164 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

3. Loosen left-side adjuster and tighten right-side threaded adjuster with Wrench C-4164 (3) to obtain a 

backlash of 0.076 - 0.102 mm (0.003 - 0.004 in.).  

4. Tighten both adjusters to 14 N.m (10 ft. lbs.). Seat differential bearing cups by rapidly rotating the pinion 

gear a half turn back and forth several times.  

5. Tighten differential bearing cap bolts 95 N.m (70 ft. lbs.).  

6. Tighten right-side threaded adjuster to 102 N.m (75 ft. lbs.). Seat differential bearing cups by rapidly 

rotating the pinion gear a half turn back and forth several times. Continue this procedure until right-side 
adjuster torque remains a constant 102 N.m (75 ft. lbs.).  

7. Measure the ring gear backlash. Backlash should be 0.12 - 0.20 mm (0.005 - 0.008 in.). 

If backlash is less than 0.12 (0.005 in.) increase right-side threaded adjuster torque until specified 
backlash is obtained. 

If backlash is more than 0.20 (0.008 in.) repeat procedure from the beginning. 

8. Tighten left-side threaded adjuster to 102 N.m (75 ft. lbs.). Seat differential bearing cups by rapidly 

rotating the pinion gear a half turn back and forth several times. Continue this procedure until left-side 
adjuster torque remains a constant 102 N.m (75 ft. lbs.). 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 DRIVELINE Differential & Driveline - Nitro

  

9. Install threaded adjuster locks and tighten the lock screws to 10 N.m (90 in. lbs.).  

10. Measure and backlash at 4 positions, 90 degrees apart around the ring gear. Maximum ring gear backlash 

variation is 0.076 mm (0.003 in.).  

After backlash is achieved, perform Gear Contact procedure. 

GEAR CONTACT PATTERN 

Fig. 232: Gear Contact Pattern Is Correct 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Wipe clean each tooth of the ring gear.  

2. Apply gear marking compound to all of the ring gear teeth.  

3. Verify bearing cap bolts are torque specifications.  

4. Apply parking brakes lightly to create at 14 N.m (10 ft. lbs.) pinion rotating torque.  

5. Rotate the pinion/pinion yoke 4 full revolutions in each directions.  

6. Read gear tooth contact pattern. 

Gear contact pattern is correct. Backlash and pinion depth is correct.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 DRIVELINE Differential & Driveline - Nitro

  

Fig. 233: Identifying Coast Side Toe & Drive Side Heel 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

Ring gear is too far away from the pinion gear, coast side toe (1) drive side heel (2). Decrease backlash by 
moving ring closer to the pinion gear using the adjusters.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 DRIVELINE Differential & Driveline - Nitro

  

Fig. 234: Identifying Drive Side Toe & Coast Side Heel 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

Ring gear is too close to the pinion gear, drive side toe (1) coast side heel (2). Increase backlash by 
moving ring away from the pinion gear using the adjusters.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 DRIVELINE Differential & Driveline - Nitro