necessary to take the cover off?
aside from jacking it up and counting revolutions, wheel/ driveshaft, it's the only way to be absolutely sure, bec you don't know what anyone did prior to you owning the vehicle. you don't even know the condition of what's there. what if there are very worn/chipped teeth, or the shims were incorrect and the wear pattern is off? bearings and seals won't cure that
