The Ford Barn

California Charlie · 09-04-2017, 03:51 PM

Hi Guys, Once looking for some answers to me being stumped once again with trying to make progress on my 1931 Model A Ford. Making one step forward and two steps backward.

Here's what's going on. I'm reassembling the rear end differential. Went through the Pre-Load process, etc.

When I install both left and right axle housings to the center housing, and torque the bolts to 35in pounds, the left axle freewheels and appears not attached to the driveshaft.

When I separate the right axle housing from the center housing, leaving the left housing still attached, the left axle then appears firmly connected to the driveshaft gearing. When I spin the driveshaft the left axle then turns.

Then when I re-tighten the right axle housing to the center housing, the left axle once again appears to detach from the driveshaft and freewheels.

I can't figure out what is happening with this assembly process to create the issue I'm having. Any thoughts from anyone.

I have every restoration book under the sun, but can't seem to find this situation in any of them.

Thanks very much for anyone's input to resolving this matter.

RawhideKid · 09-04-2017, 05:21 PM

*whew* Ok, I think I know what you are experiencing, though Tom Endy would better describe the fix.

If you have shims on one side of the banjo, take a shim from the loose side and move it to the tight side. Continue until you have equal resistance on both sides.

Bob C · 09-04-2017, 05:50 PM

When the left axle is freewheeling is the right axle turning in the opposite direction?

Bob

California Charlie · 09-04-2017, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob C

When the left axle is freewheeling is the right axle turning in the opposite direction?

Bob

Yes Bob, That's exactly what happens. I have the smallest of gaskets on both banjo ends which appears to take care of the Pre-Load.

Bob C · 09-04-2017, 07:01 PM

That's how it's suppose to work.

Bob

Mikeinnj · 09-04-2017, 07:12 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by California Charlie

Hi Guys, Once looking for some answers to me being stumped once again with trying to make progress on my 1931 Model A Ford. Making one step forward and two steps backward.

Here's what's going on. I'm reassembling the rear end differential. Went through the Pre-Load process, etc.

When I install both left and right axle housings to the center housing, and torque the bolts to 35in pounds, the left axle freewheels and appears not attached to the driveshaft.

When I separate the right axle housing from the center housing, leaving the left housing still attached, the left axle then appears firmly connected to the driveshaft gearing. When I spin the driveshaft the left axle then turns.

Then when I re-tighten the right axle housing to the center housing, the left axle once again appears to detach from the driveshaft and freewheels.

I can't figure out what is happening with this assembly process to create the issue I'm having. Any thoughts from anyone.

I have every restoration book under the sun, but can't seem to find this situation in any of them.

Thanks very much for anyone's input to resolving this matter.

Torque on the banjo bolts should be 35 foot pounds, not inch pounds. But this has nothing to do with the question.... RESPONSE # 5 IS CORRECT.

California Charlie · 09-04-2017, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikeinnj

Torque on the banjo bolts should be 35 foot pounds, not inch pounds. But this has nothing to do with the question.... RESPONSE # 5 IS CORRECT.

Thanks. You're correct, it was my mistake to say inch pounds when I did appropriately torque the bolts to 35 foot pounds. So that is the way the differential works?
Thanks again for everyone's input.

California Charlie · 09-04-2017, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by California Charlie

Thanks. You're correct, it was my mistake to say inch pounds when I did appropriately torque the bolts to 35 foot pounds. So that is the way the differential works?
Thanks again for everyone's input.

I don't fully understand the workings of the differential. If when the rear differential is all together, and the left axle appears to be disconnected from the driveshaft and spins freely, then how does the driveshaft connect to turn the rear wheels? Just doesn't make sense to me being a backyard mechanic.

Bob C · 09-04-2017, 07:43 PM

Watch this video on how a differential works.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOgoejxzF8c

Bob

California Charlie · 09-04-2017, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob C

Watch this video on how a differential works.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOgoejxzF8c

Bob

Thanks very much. I found that video, as well as a couple of others, very helpful.

100IH · 09-05-2017, 09:51 AM

Pre-load is checked with the carrier and axle housings assembled but without the axles. A special tool is used to turn the carrier while reading the pre-load on the carrier bearings. the reading here is in inch pounds, not foot pounds. It is a long process. Also, the pinion gear is not installed during this process.

09-04-2017, 03:51 PM	#1
California Charlie Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 157	Labor Day Pain in the Rear End Hi Guys, Once looking for some answers to me being stumped once again with trying to make progress on my 1931 Model A Ford. Making one step forward and two steps backward. Here's what's going on. I'm reassembling the rear end differential. Went through the Pre-Load process, etc. When I install both left and right axle housings to the center housing, and torque the bolts to 35in pounds, the left axle freewheels and appears not attached to the driveshaft. When I separate the right axle housing from the center housing, leaving the left housing still attached, the left axle then appears firmly connected to the driveshaft gearing. When I spin the driveshaft the left axle then turns. Then when I re-tighten the right axle housing to the center housing, the left axle once again appears to detach from the driveshaft and freewheels. I can't figure out what is happening with this assembly process to create the issue I'm having. Any thoughts from anyone. I have every restoration book under the sun, but can't seem to find this situation in any of them. Thanks very much for anyone's input to resolving this matter.

09-04-2017, 05:21 PM	#2
RawhideKid BANNED Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Lower Left Coast Posts: 469	Re: Labor Day Pain in the Rear End whew Ok, I think I know what you are experiencing, though Tom Endy would better describe the fix. If you have shims on one side of the banjo, take a shim from the loose side and move it to the tight side. Continue until you have equal resistance on both sides. __________________ Before Walmart you had to buy a ticket to the fair to see a bearded lady!

09-04-2017, 05:50 PM	#3
Bob C Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: So Cal Posts: 8,743	Re: Labor Day Pain in the Rear End When the left axle is freewheeling is the right axle turning in the opposite direction? Bob

09-04-2017, 07:01 PM	#5
Bob C Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: So Cal Posts: 8,743	Re: Labor Day Pain in the Rear End That's how it's suppose to work. Bob

09-04-2017, 07:43 PM	#9
Bob C Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: So Cal Posts: 8,743	Re: Labor Day Pain in the Rear End Watch this video on how a differential works. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOgoejxzF8c Bob

09-05-2017, 09:51 AM	#11
100IH Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: SW Idaho Posts: 970	Re: Labor Day Pain in the Rear End Pre-load is checked with the carrier and axle housings assembled but without the axles. A special tool is used to turn the carrier while reading the pre-load on the carrier bearings. the reading here is in inch pounds, not foot pounds. It is a long process. Also, the pinion gear is not installed during this process.