What I have found out is that I probably have too much backlash in my pinion. Any ideas how to fix this? Backlash is set at the factory, and generally cannot change but very little, unless some part "gives", like a bearing going bad.
I have seen people talk about pinion shims but i'm dumb and have no idea how to mess with that stuff. I need to find a way to decrease my backlash in my pinion. Backlash is the "play" between the pinion gear teeth, and the mating ring gear teeth. The "play" is established by shims located between bearings and supports. IF backlash has become excessive, there is some reason for it, and simply decreasing the lash will not solve the problem, and may cause yet bigger ones! Most important is that ALL the bearings (there are 4) be sound, the GEAR TOOTH CONTACT PATTERN be acceptable, AND the surface of the gear teeth be smooth and not damaged in any way. Then there will be no gear noise.
My pinion is apparently too far away from the ring and is causing the whining sound that I hear.....very very annoying.