TROUBLESHOOTING Problem | Possible cause | Remedy | Page Oil leak at pinion shaft | Oil level too high or wrong grade | Drain and replace oil | RA-23 | Oil seal worn or damaged | Replace oil seal | RA-23 | Companion flange loose or damaged | Tighten or replace flange | RA-23 Oil leak at side gear shaft | Oil level too high or wrong grade | Drain and replace oil | RA-26 | Oil seal worn or damaged | Replace oil seal | RA-26 | Side gear shaft damaged | Replace shaft | RA-26 Noises in rear axle | Oil level low or wrong grade | Drain and replace oil | RA-28 | Excessive backlash between pinion and ring or side gear | Check backlash | RA-28 | Ring gear worn or chipped | Inspect gear | RA-31 | Pinion or side gears worn or chipped | Inspect gears | RA-43, 46, 49 | Pinion shaft bearing worn | Replace bearing | RA-30 | Side bearing worn | Replace bearing | RA-31 | Differential bearing loose or worn | Tighten or replace bearings | RA-39 Bottoming | Vehicle overloaded | Check loading | | Shock absorber worn out | Replace shock absorber | RA-56 | Spring weak | Replace spring | RA-56