During what maintenance task would you check clearance between the side gear and thrust washer?

The check for clearance between the side gear and thrust washer is an essential aspect of rebuilding the differential. When a differential is disassembled for rebuilding, it is vital to inspect various components to ensure they meet specifications for proper function. One such component is the clearance between the side gears and their respective thrust washers, which is critical for the smooth operation of the differential under load. If this clearance is not within the manufacturer's specified range, it can lead to increased wear, noise, and potential failure of the differential assembly. This process ensures that all components work effectively together and can handle the stresses encountered during operation.

In contrast, activities such as installing a new clutch, replacing transmission fluid, or aligning the driveshaft do not typically involve checking this specific clearance, as those tasks pertain to different components of the vehicle's drivetrain and do not require the same level of differential inspection.