Adjusting the rear diff (1 Viewer)

[Vampo]

Hi Everyone,

Recently I took my SUV to the mechanic to further diagnose the famous cluck sound coming from the drive shaft.

Surprisingly my mechanic said that there was a excessive free play in my rear diff. Of course I wanted to see for myself and found that he was correct. every time the gear was changed between D and R, the drive shaft would turn a bit without the wheels actually turning. At that moment you can hear the cluck sound as well.

So the question is, is there a way to easily adjust the free play in the differential? (I believe this must be between the crown wheel and pinion). I'm a bit worried as the diff is LSD.

I run a Toyota Cygnus 2005. I think this is the same as LX470 - 2005. Its the domestic model in Japan. Any help or suggestion please ?

Thanks

 

[Bardiya]

I doubt there is a way to adjust the rear diff, usually the clunk is caused by the U-Joints on the driveshaft ends. This is a common issue on the 100 series and is fixed by replacing the U-Joints or sometimes just greasing them.
My 100 series currently has this problem aswell.

 

[Emcd]

Their full of crap. The lash on our rear gears is already set at the factory. It would whine like crazy if it was off. U joints are most likely the culprit.

 

[bucfl]

What oil for the u joints would you use?

 

[Vampo]

Thanks for the quick response. Is there a way to check the condition of the U-joints? should I replace them?

Bucfl: I'm not very sure about the grade of the grease/oil for the U-joint. I think they put the standard stuff that they use for ball joints etc.

 

[spressomon]

Also, check the play at the splined yoke/drive shaft interface. This wears and can induce slop in the drive train.

 

[Vampo]

Also, check the play at the splined yoke/drive shaft interface. This wears and can induce slop in the drive train.

Thanks. I'll check on this.

 

[nissanh]

The backlash in the ring gear (crown wheel and pinion) is about 0.004 mm.
You can adjust it but have to remove rear 3rd member.

Check the U-joints and the splines. Grab one side of the U-joint with one hand and the other side by the other hand and twist it. It should NOT have any amount of free-play. Always use Toyota U-joints.

 

[Vampo]

The backlash in the ring gear (crown wheel and pinion) is about 0.004 mm.
You can adjust it but have to remove rear 3rd member.

Check the U-joints and the splines. Grab one side of the U-joint with one hand and the other side by the other hand and twist it. It should NOT have any amount of free-play. Always use Toyota U-joints.

Thanks. I just didn't have much time last week to try this. I'm going to check this out over the weekend.