Actually, the reverse happens. Under load, the pinion is forced away from the ring gear, that's why the bearing closest to the pinion is larger. Under decel, the pinion tends to want to move toward the ring gear. Checking the preload on the pinion bearings and a possible tightening of the retaining nut may cure the problem.

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'83 300D, 126K miles.

You are right. Looks like my axial dyslexia problem has resurfaced.

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When cryptography is outlawed, bayl bhgynjf jvyy unir cevinpl.