Disassembly and Assembly: Pre-Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Nissan Altima and 2002 Nissan Altima. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Check the clearance between side gear and differential case using Tool and a dial indicator as follows:

Fig 1: Placing Final Drive Adapter And Dial Indicator Onto Side Gears

Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

Clean final drive assembly sufficiently to prevent side gear thrust washer, differential case, side gear, and other parts from sticking by gear oil.
Upright the differential case so that the side gear to be measured faces upward.
Place final drive adapter and dial indicator onto side gear. Move side gear up and down, and measure the clearance.
Clearance between side gear and differential case : 0.1 - 0.2 mm (0.004 - 0.008 in)

CAUTION: There should be no resistance with the gears rotating freely.

Fig 2: Checking Clearance Between Side Gear And Differential Case
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
If not within specification, adjust the clearance by changing thrust washer thickness.
Turn differential case upside down, and measure the clearance between side gear and differential case on the other side in the same way.