If I assemble my rear gear and find it makes noise, how long do I have until I have broken it in until I can never make it quiet. I did 2 break-in runs, very gentle ones (total 40 miles), and took it apart due to being unhappy with the noise at a certain RPM. I thinned the pinion shim down and put it back together and the noise is much better now but not perfect. Is my set up off, or is my gear set messed up from driving it?

 

No one has comments?

 

back in the 60s/70s I've installed used gear sets in the larger GM 10 bolts and 12 bolts and never had a problem with the new pattern that was going to be established or after that new pattern was established.Never experienced unusual excessive gear wear.Looking back,I think it was 99% luck and 1% skill,but I always made sure pinion depth and gear lash were within the recommended range.

 

Anyone know how long until I set a bad pattern permanently?

 

I have found there is not predetermined point of no return.
You will have to see how it goes. All though some sets are just prone to make some noise as well even set up & pattern correct.