Contact Pattern Location

In general, desirable ring gear tooth patterns must have the following characteristics:

• Drive pattern on the drive side ring gear well centered on the tooth.
• Coast pattern on the coast side ring gear well centered on the tooth.
• Clearance between the pattern and the top of the tooth.
• No hard lines where the pressure is high.

Acceptable ring gear tooth patterns for all axles.

Fig 1: Identifying Contact Pattern Location

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Correct backlash with a thinner pinion position shim required.

Fig 2: Correcting Backlash With Thinner Pinion Position Shim

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Correct backlash with a thicker pinion position shim required.

Fig 3: Correcting Backlash With Thicker Pinion Position Shim

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Correct pinion position shim that requires a decrease in backlash.

Fig 4: Correcting Pinion Position Shim Decrease In Backlash

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Correct pinion position shim that requires an increase in backlash.

Fig 5: Correcting Pinion Position Shim Increase In Backlash

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.